


^ x 

































\v 















HANDBOOK OF BIRDS 

OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA 



WITH KEYS TO THE SPECIES 

AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR PLUMAGES, NESTS, AND EGGS 

THEIR DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATIONS 

AND A 3RIEF ACCOUNT OF THEIR HAUNTS AND HABITS 

WITH INTRODUCTORY CHAPTERS ON THE 

STUDY OF ORNITHOLOGY, HOW TO IDENTIFY BIRDS 

AND HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE BIRDS 

1 THEIR NESTS, AND EGGS 



BY 

FRANK M. CHAPMAN 

ASSISTANT CURATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MAMMALOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY 

IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY J 

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, ETC. 



WITH FULL-PAGE PLATES IN COLORS AND BLACK AND WHITE 

AND UPWARD OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY CUTS 

IN THE TEXT 



SIXTH EDITION 



NEW YORK 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 

1903 



x qO ; 



Copyright, 1895, 
By D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 



» • • •> «* • • 



TO MY MOTHER 

WHO HAS EVER ENCOURAGED HER SON IN HIS 

NATURAL HISTORY STUDIES 

THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 



PREFACE. 



If this book had been written in the last century it might have 
been entitled " Ornithology made Simple, or How to Identify Birds 
with Ease, Certainty, and Dispatch." It may be unworthy so com- 
prehensive a title, nevertheless I have made an honest endeavor to 
write a book on birds so free from technicalities that it would be in- 
telligible without reference to a glossary, and I have tried to do this 
in a volume which could be taken afield in the pocket. 

I have not addressed an imaginary audience, nor have I given my 
prospective readers what, theoretically, I thought they ought to have, 
but what personal experience with students of birds has led me to 
believe would meet their wants. 

The preparation of this work has firmly convinced me that the 
poet would have been nearer the truth had he written " One touch of 
nature makes the whole world kind" In the succeeding pages I have 
attempted to express my appreciation of the assistance which natural- 
ist friends and associates have generously given me, but here I desire 
to especially thank Miss Florence A. Merriam, Dr. J. A. Allen, and 
Mr. Ernest E. Thompson for much valuable criticism and advice. 

Frank M. Chapman. 

American Museum op Natural History, 
New York City, January, 1895. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Introduction 1 

Chapter I. — The Study of Ornithology 1 

Systematic Ornithology 2 

Philosophic Ornithology 3 

Economic Ornithology 6 

Sentiment of Ornithology 8 

Chapter II. — The Study of Birds Out-of-Doors . . .10 

How to Identify Birds 10 

How to Find Birds . . 11 

When to Find Birds 12 

Tables of Migration 15 

The Nesting Season 11) 

Note-books and Journals 20 

Chapter III. — Collecting Birds, their Nests, and Eggs . 23 

Collecting Birds .23 

Making Birdskins 24 

Sexing Birds 27 

Cataloguing and Labeling 28 

Care of a Collection 29 

Collecting and Preserving Nests and Eggs . . . .29 

Plan of the Work 32 

Nomenclature adopted 32 

Definition of Terms 32 

The Key to Families 32 

The Keys to Species 34 

Measurements 37 

Range . 37 

Biographies 38 

Illustrations 39 

Color Chart 39 

List of Abbreviations 40 

vii 



v iii CONTENTS. 

TAGE 

THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA EAST OF THE NINE- 
TIETH MERIDIAN .41 

Key to Orders and Families . . ... . .41 

I. Order Pygopodes : Diving Birds . . . . .56 

1. Family Podicipidae : Grebes 56 

2. Family Urinatoridae : Loons 58 

3. Family Alcidae : Auks, Murres, and Puffins . . 00 

II. Order Longipennes: Long-winged Swimmers . . 65 

4. Family Stercorariidae : Skuas and Jaegers . . .65 

5. Family Laridae : Gulls and Terns . . . .67 

6. Rynchopidae : Skimmers 85 

III. Order Tubinares : Tube-nosed Swimmers . . .86 

7. Family Diomedeidaa : Albatrosses . . . .86 

8. Procellariidaa : Petrels, Fulmars, and Shearwaters . 86 

IV. Order Steganopodes : Totipalmate Swimmers . . 91 

9. Family Phaethontidae : Tropic Birds. . . .91 

10. Family Sulidae : Gannets 92 

11. Family Anhingidae : Darters 93 

12. Family Phalacrocoracidas : Cormorants . . .94 

13. Family Pelecanidae : Pelicans 95 

14. Family Fregatidae : Man-o'-War Birds . .97 

V. Order Anseres : Lamellirostral Swimmers . . 97 

15. Family Anatida? : Ducks, Geese, and Swans . . 97 

VI. Order Odontogloss^e : Lamellirostral Grallatores . 125 

16. Family Phcenicopteridae : Flamingoes . . . 125 

VII. Order Herodiones : Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. . . 125 

17. Family Plataleidae : Spoonbills 125 

18. Family Ibididae : Ibises 126 

19. Family Ciconiidae : Storks and Wood Ibises . . 127 

20. Family Ardeidae : Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns . 128 

VIII. Order Paludicol^e : Cranes, Rails, etc. . . . 137 

21. Family Gruidae : Cranes 137 

22. Family Aramidae : Courlans 138 

23. Family RallidaB : Rails, Gallinules, and Coots . . 139 

IX. Order Limicol^e : Shore Birds . . . . 147 

24. Family Phalaropodidae : Phalaropes .... 147 

25. Family Recurvirostridse : Stilts and Avocets . . 149 

26. Family Scolopacidae : Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. . . 150 



CONTENTS. 



IX 



27. Family Charadriidae : Plovers . 

28. Family Aphrizidaa : Turnstones, etc. . 

29. Family Haematopodidae : Oyster-catchers 

X. Order Galling: Gallinaceous Birds . 

30. Family Tetraonidae : Grouse, Bob-whites, etc. 

31. Family Phasianidae : Pheasants, etc. . 

XL Order Columbje : Pigeons and Doves . 

32. Family Columbidse : Pigeons and Doves 

XII. Order Raptores: Birds of Prey . 

33. Family Cathartida? : American Vultures 

34. Family Falconidae : Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, etc. 

35. Family Strigidas : Barn Owls .... 

36. Family Bubonidae : Horned Owls, Hoot Owls . 

XIII. Order Psittaci : Parrots, Macaws, Paroquets, etc. 

37. Family Psittacidae : Parrots and Paroquets 

XIV. Order Coccyges : Cuckoos, Kingfishers, etc 

38. Family Cuculida? : Cuckoos 

39. Family Alcedinidae : Kingfishers 



PAGE 

171 
176 
177 

178 
178 

185 

187 
187 

191 
191 
193 
213 
213 

222 
222 

221 
224 
226 



XV. Order Pici : Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc . . . 227 
40. Family Picidag : Woodpeckers 227 

XVI. Order Macrochires : Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds, 

Swifts, etc 226 



41. Family Caprimulgidae : Nighthawks, Whip 
wills, etc 

42. Family IMicropodidaa: Swifts . 

43. Family Trochilidae : Hummingbirds 

XVII. Order Passeres : Perching Birds . 

44. Family Tyrannidae : Flycatchers 

45. Family Alaudidae : Larks . 

46. Family Corvidae : Crows and Jays 

47. Family Sturnidae : Starlings 

48. Family Icteridae : Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. 

49. Family Fringillidae : Finches, Sparrows, etc. 

50. Family Tanagridae : Tanagers . 

51. Family Hirundinidas : Swallows 

52. Family Ampelidae : Waxwings . 

53. Family Laniidae : Shrikes . 

54. Family Vireonidae : Vireos . 

55. Family Mniotiltidaa : Wood Warblers 



poor- 



. 236 
. 239 
. 240 

. 242 
. 242 
. 252 
. 253 
. 259 
. 260 
. 271 
. 316 
. 318 
. 323 
. 325 
. 327 
. 333 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

56. Family Motacillidae : Wagtails and Pipits . . 375 

57. Family Troglody tidae : Thrashers, Wrens, etc. . . 376 

58. Family Certhiida? : Creepers 385 

59. Family Paridae : Nuthatches and Titmice. . . 386 

60. Family Sylviidae : Kinglets and Gnatcatchers . . 391 

61. Family Turdidae: Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc. . . 394 

Appendix : A Field Key to our Commoner Eastern Land Birds . 404 

List of Principal Works referred to 411 

Index 415 



LiST OF ILLUSTKATIONS. 



FULL-PAGE PLATES. 

TO FACE PAGE 

Bob- white Frontispiece. 

Color Chart . . . 39 

Pied-billed Grebe and Young 57 

Heads of Ducks .97 

Little Blue Herons 135 

Clapper Rail 140 

Woodcock and Young . . 153 

Spotted Sandpiper and Young . . 169 

Ruffed Grouse and Young . 181 

Sparrow Hawk and Young 211 

Hairy Woodpecker; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker . . . 229 

Whip-poor-will 237 

Least Flycatcher ; Phcebe 245 

Bobolink 262 

Meadowlark 265 

White-throated Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow . . 300 

Song Sparrow ; Swamp Sparrow 306 

Yellow-throated Vireo; Warbling Yireo . 330 

Louisiana Water-Thrush 368 

Wood Thrush; Wilson's Thrush. . . . . . . 395 

FIGURES IN THE TEXT. 

FIGURE PAGE 

1. A completed birdskin 28 

2. Topography of a bird 33 

3. (a) Spotted, (b) streaked, (c) barred, (d) margined feathers . 34 

4. Rule showing inches and tenths 37 

5. Feet of (a) Pied-billed Grebe, (b) Loon, (c) Puffin ... 41 

6. (a) Bill of Parasitic Jaeger ; (b) bill and foot of Laughing Gull 41 

7. Bill of Common Tern 42 

8. Bill of Skimmer 42 

xi 



x ii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

FIGURE PAGE 

9. (a) Bill and foot of Black-footed Albatross ; (b) bill and foot 

of Fulmar . . .42 

10. Foot of Cormorant 43 

11. Bill of Yellow-billed Tropic Bird ...... 43 

12. Bill of Gannet 43 

13. Bill of Anhinga 43 

14. Bill of Cormorant ■ .43 

15. Bill of Man-o'-War Bird 43 

16. Bill of Merganser 44 

17. (a) Bill and foot of Mallard ; (b) foot of Canvasback . . 44 

18. Bill of Flamingo 45 

19. Bill and toe-nail of Little Green Heron 45 

20. Bill of White Ibis 45 

21. Bill of Roseate Spoonbill . . 45 

22. (a) Bill and foot of Clapper Rail : bills of (b) Yellow Rail, 

(c) Sora, (d) Florida Gallinule ; (e) bill and foot of Coot . 46 

23. Bill of Sandhill Crane 46 

24. Bill of Limpkin. . . . 46 

25. Bills of (a) Dowitcher, (b) Knot, (c) Black-bellied Plover, 

(d) Semi palm ated Plover 47 

26. Feet of (a) Red Phalarope, (b) Knot, (c) Dowitcher, (d) Black- 

bellied Plover, (e) Semipalmated Plover . . . .47 

27. Bill of Ruffed Grouse 48 

28. Bill of Wild Pigeon 48 

29. Feet of (a) Barred Owl, (6) Red-shouldered Hawk ... 48 

30. Head of Barn Owl 48 

31. Head of Barred Owl 48 

32. Head of Turkey Vulture 49 

33. Head of Red-shouldered Hawk 49 

34. Bill and foot of Carolina Paroquet 49 

35. Bill and foot of Belted Kingfisher 49 

36. Bill and foot of Yellow-billed Cuckoo 49 

37. (a) Bill and foot of Hairy Woodpecker, (b) foot of Arctic 

Three-toed Woodpecker 50 

38. Bill and foot of Nighthawk 50 

39. Bill and tail-feather of Chimney Swift 50 

40. Bill of Hummingbird 50 

41. Foot of Robin 51 

42. Bill and wing of Phcebe 51 

43. Bill and hind-toe of Horned Lark 51 

44. (a) Bill and wing of Blue Jay, (b) bill of Crow ... 51 

45. Bill and wing of Starling 52 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



xm 



FIGURE PAGE 

46. (a) Bill and wing of Baltimore Oriole ; bills of (b) Meadow- 

lark, (c) Purple Grackle 52 

47. Bills of (a) Cardinal, (b) Pine Grosbeak, (c) Purple Finch, 

(d) Red Crossbill, (e) Seaside Finch, (/) Goldfinch . . 52 

48. Bill of Scarlet Tanager 52 

49. Bill and foot of Cliff Swallow 53 

50. Head of Cedar Wax wing 53 

51. Bill of Loggerhead Shrike 53 

53. Bill of Blue-headed Vireo 53 

53. (a) Bill of Tennessee Warbler; (b) bill, wing, and hind-toe of 

Pine Warbler; bills of (c) Redstart, (d) Water-Thrush; 

(e) Chat 53 

Bill and hind-toe of American Pipit 54 

(a) Bill of Brown Thrasher, (b) bill and wing of Catbird; 

bills of (c) Carolina Wren, (d) House Wren . . . .54 

Bill and tail of Brown Creeper 54 

(a) Bill of White-breasted Nuthatch, (b) bill and wing of 

Chickadee 55 

(a) Bill and wing of Golden-crowned Kinglet, (b) bill of Blue 

Gray Gnatcatcher 55 

(a) Bill of Robin, (b) bill and wing of Bluebird . . .55 
First primaries of (a) American Herring Gull, (b) Ring-billed 
Gull, (c) Laughing Gull, (d) Franklin's Gull, (e) Bona- 
parte's Gull 69 

First primaries of (a) Caspian Tern, (b) Royal Tern, (c) Com- 
mon Tern, (d) Arctic Tern, (e) Royal Tern . . . .78 

Head of Least Sandpiper 160 

Head of Red-backed Sandpiper 161 

Wing of Solitary Sandpiper 166 

Head of Semipalmated Plover 174 

Head of Wilson's Plover 176 

Tail of Sharp-shinned Hawk 198 

Tail of Cooper's Hawk 199 

Primaries of Red-shouldered Hawk 202 

Primaries of Broad-winged Hawk 204 

Foot of Golden Eagle 206 

Foot of Bald Eagle . 207 

Tail-feathers of Yellow-billed Cuckoo . . . . .225 

Tail-feathers of Black-billed Cuckoo 226 

Head of Crested Flycatcher 245 

Head of Prairie Horned Lark 253 

Head of Cowbird 262 



54. 

55. 

56. 
57. 

58. 

59. 

60. 



61. 

62. 
63. 
64. 
65. 
66. 
67. 
68. 
69. 
70. 
71. 
72. 
73. 
74. 
75. 
76. 
77. 



x i v LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS. 

FIGURE PAOE 

78. Head of Orchard Oriole 267 

79. Head of Purple Pinch . , 281 

80. Head of Redpoll 285 

81. Hind-toe of Lapland Longspur . . . . . . 289 

82. Tail-feathers of Vesper Sparrow 290 

83. Tail of Grasshopper Sparrow 293 

84. Head of Seaside Sparrow 297 

85. Head of Lark Sparrow 299 

80. Head of Chipping Sparrow 302 

87. Head of Fox Sparrow 309 

88. Head of Dickcissel 315 

89. Barn, Cliff, Tree, and Bank Swallows 318 

90. Section of primary of Rough-winged Swallow . . . 323 

91. Head of Red-eyed Vireo 328 

92. Wing of Warbling Vireo 329 

93. Head of Black and White Warbler 351 

91. Head oi' Worm-eating Warbler 351 

95. Head of Blue-winged Warbler 351 

90. Head of Golden- winged Warbler 351 

97. Head of Parula Warbler •. .351 

98. Head of Myrtle Warbler 351 

99. Head of Magnolia Warbler 351 

100. Head of Chestnut-sided Warbler 351 

101. Black-throated Blue Warbler 354 

102. Head of Black-poll Warbler . 366 

103. Head of Prairie Warbler 366 

101. Head of Oven-bird 366 

105. Head of Kentucky Warbler 366 

106. Head of Maryland Yellow-throat 366 

107. Head of Wilson's Warbler 366 

10S. Head of Hooded Warbler 366 

109. Head of Canadian Warbler 366 

110. Head of Yellow-breasted Chat 372 

111. Head of Short-billed Marsh Wren . . . . . .383 

112. Head of Long-billed Marsh Wren 384 

113. Head of Red-breasted Nuthatch 388 

114. Head of Tufted Titmouse 389 

115. Head of Golden-crowned Kinglet 392 



A HANDBOOK OF THE 
BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 



INTRODUCTION. 
CHAPTER I. 

THE STUDY OJF ORNITHOLOGY. 

Birds, because of their beauty the charm of their songs, and the 
ease with which they may be observed, are doubtless the forms of 
animal life which first attract the young naturalist's attention. His 
interest in them gives evidence of an inborn love of Nature. Too 
often this priceless gift is lost simply through lack of encouragement 
and instruction. Properly developed it should prove a never- failing 
source of pleasure and inspiration, if indeed its influence does not 
become the most potent factor in our lives. 

Let us hope that the day is not distant when tin* importance of in- 
troducing natural-history studies into our schools will be generally 
recognized. The young student of Nature will then be helped over 
the repelling technicalities which render so difficult the first steps to 
a knowledge of his chosen subject. Without a guide he now either 
loses his way completely or travels under disadxantages which handi- 
cap him for the whole journey. 

The uninstructed beginner in ornithology usually expends his en- 
ergies in forming a collection, and he knows no better way of pursuing 
his study of birds than to kill and stuff them ! Collecting specimens 
is a step in the scientific study of birds, but ornithology would have 
small claim to our consideration if its possibilities ended here. Prop- 
erly considered, it includes what may be termed the science of orni- 
thology and the sentiment of ornithology. As a science it treats of 
birds as the exponents of natural laws and seeks to determine their 
place in the scale of life. In the sentiment of ornithology Nature ap- 
peals to us through the most interesting and beautiful of her animate 
forms. 

2 1 



2 SYSTEMATIC ORNITHOLOGY. 

TJie Science of Ornithology. — The science of ornithology may be 
divided into three branches — systematic, philosophic, and economic. 
The systematist aims to classify birds according to what are appar- 
ently their true relationships. He is the ornithological storekeeper, 
and having taken an account of stock it is his duty to keep the books 
of the firm in order. The philosophic ornithologist accepts as a fact 
the statement of affairs given him by his fellow-worker the systemat- 
ist, and tries to explain the wherefore and why. He is a seeker of 
causes. The economist is of a more practical turn of mind. He is 
impressed by the incalculable influence which birds exert over our 
agricultural interests, and the necessity for learning with exactness 
whether this influence is for good or evil. But let us describe these 
three departments of scientific ornithology more fully. 

Systematic Ornithology. — The first step in the scientific study of 
any group of animals is to name and classify them. Orders, families, 
genera, species, and subspecies are to be described and arranged in 
what appears to be the most natural manner. Thus all the Perching 
Birds, for example, are placed in the order Passei*es, and this order is 
divided into numerous families— for instance, the Thrushes or family 
Turdidce. But how are we to know which are Perching Birds and 
which of the Perching Birds are Thrushes ? The systematist answers, 
by studying a bird's structure. Generally speaking, orders and fami- 
lies are based on skeletal, muscular, and visceral characters which may 
be termed internal characters. Genera are based on the form of bill, 
feet, wings, and tail, or on external characters, while species and sub- 
species are based mainly on color and size. Thus all the members of a 
family or order agree more or less in their principal internal charac- 
ters : those of a genus agree in external characters, and the individ- 
uals of a species or subspecies resemble one another in color and 
size. 

The object of classification is to aid us in understanding not alone 
the relationships of one bird to another bird, or of one family or 
order of birds to another family or order, or even of living to extinct 
birds, but also to assist us in explaining the relationships of all the 
classes of the animal and vegetable kingdoms — mammals, birds, rep- 
tiles, fishes — and thus down the scale to the lowest forms of life. 

This systematic study of the relationships of birds has taught ns 
that they have been evolved from reptilian ancestors. There is much 
evidence in support of this fact, but the most conclusive is furnished 
by the discovery in the lithographic slate of Solenhofen, Bavaria, of 
several specimens of a remarkable fossil, a reptilelike bird, which has 
been named Archceopteryx lithographica. It is the earliest known 
direct progenitor of the great class Aves. 



PHILOSOPHIC ORNITHOLOGY. 3 

The importance of systematic classification is also shown in the ne- 
cessity of naming objects before we can study them to advantage. As 
the alphabet is the foundation of a written language, so this great 
series of scientific names, which appears so formidable to the student, 
is the groundwork for all ornithological research. 

Philosophic Ornithology. — Having learned the alphabet of orni- 
thology, we may pass from the systematic to the philosophic study 
of birds ; from the study of dead birds to that of living ones. A 
study of specimens shows their relationships through structure, but 
a study of the living bird in its haunts may tell us the cause of 
structure. In classifying birds we have taken note of their form and 
coloration ; our object now is to determine how these characters were 
acquired. 

As Prof. E. S. Morse has said, "There is no group of animals 
which exceeds birds in varied and suggestive material for the evolu- 
tionist." Compare a Hummingbird with an Ostrich, a Swallow with 
a Penguin, and the enormous variation in the structure and habits of 
birds is brought very forcibly to our minds. When we remember 
that these widely divergent types descended from a reptilian ancestor, 
we are impressed anew with the truth of Prof. Morse's remark. 

A brief review of the more important branches of philosophic 
ornithology will show how rich a field is open to the student of birds. 
They are : (1) The origin of birds and their place in Nature ; * (2) their 
distribution in time and space, and the influences which determine 
their present ranges ; f (3) the migration of birds, its origin, object, ex- 
tent, and manner; % (4) the nesting of birds, including a study of the 
significance of sexual differences in form, color, and voice, the location 
and construction of the nest, the number and color of the eggs, together 
with the habits of birds during the entire nesting season ; (5) the effect 



* See Newton's Dictionary of Birds (London : Adam and Charles Black, ] 
articles. " Anatomy of Birds " and M Fossil Birds " ; Coues's Key to N. A* Birds. 

t Read The Geographical Distribution of North American Mammals, by J. A. 
Allen, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., iv, 1892, pp. 199-244 ; four maps. The Geo- 
graphical Origin and Distribution of North American Birds, considered in Rela- 
tion to Faunal Areas of North America, by J. A. Allen, The Auk, x, 1893, pp. 
97-150 ; two maps. The Geographic Distribution of Life in North America with 
Special Reference to the Mammalia, by C. Hart Merriam, M. D., Proc. of the 
Biological Soc. of Washington, vii, 1892, pp. 1-64 ; one map. Laws of Tempera- 
ture Control, by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Nat. Geog. Mag., vi, 1894, pp. 229-238 ; 
three maps. 

X On this subject read articles by the following authors : J. A. Allen, Scrib- 
ner's Magazine, xxii, 1881, pp. 932-938 : Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, v, 1880, pp. 151- 
154 ; Scott, ibid., vi, 1881. pp. 97-100 : Brewster, Memoirs Nuttall Orn. Club (Cam- 
bridge. Mass.). No. 1, pp. 22 ; Cooke and Merriam. Bird Migration in the 
Mississippi Valley (Washington. 1888) : Chapman. Auk, v, 1888, pp. 37-39 ; xi, 
1894, pp. 12-17 ; Loomis, Auk, ix. 1892, pp. 28-39 ; xi, 1894, pp. 26-39, 94-117 ; 
Stone, Birds of E. Penn. and N. J., Bird Migration, pp. 15-28. 



4 GEOGRAPHICAL EACES. 

of climate upon the color and size of birds;* (6) the relation of a 
bird's color to its haunts and habits. f Besides these general subjects 
which enter into our study of the life-history of every bird, we have 
the special instances of intelligent adaptation to changed conditions 
of life, and, most interesting of all, the relation between structure and 
habits, or the part played by a bird's habits in determining the form 
of its bill, feet, wings, and tail. Thus the Crook-billed Plover of New 
Zealand turns over or probes under stones and shells in search of food, 
not because its crooked bill makes an excellent lever or probe, but it 
has acquired a crooked bill through this habit. Again, the Gallinules of 
certain islands in southern seas are flightless, not because their wings 
are too small to support them, but because after having flown to these 
islands they had no further use for wings, which in time, through dis- 
use, became so small that the birds have lost the power of flight. In 
other words, it is not because their wings are small that they do not 
fly, but because they do not fly their wings are small. 

But to enlarge upon • these problems which confront the philo- 
sophic ornithologist would require a volume. It is important, how- 
ever, that the student should have in the beginning at least a general 
idea of the effect of climate on the size and color of birds and the 
migration of birds. The first is well illustrated by our Bob-white or 
Quail. In New England, at the northern limit of its range, it is a fine, 
large bird with a light-brown back and a white breast narrowly barred 
with black. As we proceed southward it becomes smaller, the brown 
is of a deeper shade, the black bars of greater extent. Finally, when 
we have reached the humid region of southern Florida, the minimum 
in size is attained, the back is dark, rich chestnut barred with black, 
and the breast is almost wholly black. No one who compared this 
small, dark Florida Quail with the large, pale Quail of New England 
would consider them the same species. But on examining a series of 
Quails from all the Atlantic States one sees how gradually this change 
in color and decrease in size occurs, and that nowhere would it be 
possible to draw a line separating the two extremes. They are species 
in process of formation still connected by a chain of natural links. 

Ornithology presents many similar cases. They illustrate two laws 
in the evolution of animals — decrease in size southward and greater 



* Read Part III of Dr. J. A. Allen's Mammals and Winter Birds of East 
Florida, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. ii, No. 3. Cambridge, 1871. 

t Consult Poulton's Colors of Animals (D. Appleton & Co., 1890) ; Bed- 
riard's Animal Coloration (Macmillan & Co.) ; Keeler's Evolution of the Colors 
of North American Land-birds (Occasional Papers of California Academy of 
Sciences, iii, 1893) ; also reviews of last two works in The Auk, x, 1893, pp. 189- 
199, 373-380. 



MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 5 

intensity of color in regions of greatest rainfall. They are thus evi- 
dences of an evolution so recent that we can assign its cause. 

In nomenclature these partly formed species are termed subspecies 
or races. Under the trinomial system they are distinguished by a 
third name : thus CoJi?ius virginianus floridanus is a subspecies or race 
4 Golinus virginianus. But if through any change in the earth's sur- 
face the regions occupied by the large, light Quail and the small, dark 
one should be separated, the intermediates would disappear and in- 
stead of a race or subspecies we would have a full species — Colinus 
floridanus. 

The Migration of Birds. — Certain insects, fishes, and mammals 
migrate, but no animals compare with birds in the extent of their 
migrations. Some birds nest within the Arctic Circle and winter in 
the southern parts of the southern hemisphere, performing this jour- 
ney of thousands of miles year after year and returning to their sum- 
mer or winter haunts with marvelous certainty and regularity. 

Not only is the migration of birds an interesting subject in itself, 
but the almost constant changes it causes in the bird -life of the same 
region gives an interest to the study of ornithology which is ever re- 
newed with the changing seasons. Indeed, to the lover of Nature 
birds are a living calendar. " What was that sound that came on the 
softened air? It was the warble of the Bluebird from the scraggy 
orchard yonder. When this is heard, then has spring arrived." 

A discussion of the origin of bird migration will be found in the 
books and papers on this subject to which reference has been given. 
Here it is possible only to outline its principal features as they exist 
to-day. Generally speaking, birds migrate at the approach of winter, 
in search of food. The reason why they leave a land of plenty in the 
tropics and follow the footsteps of retreating winter to nest in the 
comparatively barren north is as yet not satisfactorily explained. 

As a rule, the extent of a bird's migration depends upon the nature 
of its food. Insect-eating birds are forced to extend their migrations 
much farther than the seed-eater?, many of which are permanent 
residents at their place of birth. The land-birds of the Western 
States winter in Mexico. A few cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec 
into Central America, but practically no species cross the Isthmus of 
Panama. Our Eastern birds have a longer and more perilous journey 
to perform. They leave the mainland by way of Florida, and some 
species find congenial winter haunts in the West Indies or Central 
America, while others go as far south as the Argentine Republic. 

Birds of strong flight, like Swallows, can easily escape from bird- 
killing Hawks, and so migrate boldly by day. But the shy, retiring 
inhabitants of woods and thickets await the coming of darkness, and 



g ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. 

then, mounting high in the air, pursue their journey under cover of 
the night. Birds direct their flight by coast lines and river valleys 
which are easily distinguishable in clear weather. On favorable nights 
these natural highways of migration are thronged by a continuous 
stream of aerial voyagers passing from dusk until dawn. 

Looking through a telescope at the moon, one may see numbers of 
birds cross its glowing surface. From such observations it is com- 
puted that migrating birds fly at a height of from one to three miles. 

The eyesight of birds is so far superior to ours that we do not 
realize its value to them while migrating. The height at which they 
fly gives them command of a wide range of country, and on clear 
nights they can undoubtedly distinguish its prominent features with 
ease. But when fogs or clouds obscure these landmarks, they lose 
their way. It is then that lighthouses prove beacons luring them to 
destruction. The Bartholdi Statue, at the mouth of the Hudson 
River, is directly in the path of the great streams of migrants which 
flow up and down this natural highway of migration, and for this 
reason is particularly destructive to birds which travel at night. On 
one occasion after a storm no less than fourteen hundred birds were 
picked up at its base, having been killed by striking the statue or 
pedestal upon which it rests. 

But while sight is of the first importance to the older and more 
experienced birds who know the way, young birds, who are making 
the journey for the first time, doubtless relr on their hearing to guide 
them. Birds' ears are exceedingly acute. They readily detect sounds 
which to us would be inaudible. Almost invariably they respond to 
an imitation of their notes, and, when under way, frequently chirp and 
call. When we consider their power of hearing and their abundance 
in routes of migration, it seems probable that at no time during the 
night is a bird beyond the hearing of his fellow-travelers. The line 
of flight once established, therefore, by the older birds, who leave first, 
it becomes a comparatively easy matter for the younger birds to join 
the throng. 

Economic Ornithology. — This branch of the study of ornithology 
treats of the relationships of bird to man from the standpoint of 
dollars and cents. Civilized man is Nature's worst enemy, llv is a 
disturbing element whose presence is a constant menace to the balance 
of life. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that we should 
acquaint ourselves with the conditions which make a true equilibrium 
and endeavor to sustain them when it proves to our advantage to 
do so. 

The disastrous results which have followed man's introduction of 
the English or House Sparrow in America, the mongoose in the West 



ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. ? 

Indies, and the rabbit in Australia, clearly show that our attempts to 
improve upon Nature must be directed, not by haphazard methods, 
but by knowledge gained through a careful study of Nature's laws. 

Few persons realize the value of birds to man. They are the 
natural check upon the increase of insect life. Consider the incal- 
culable number of insects destroyed by the birds which pass the 
greater part of each day hunting through our lawns, orchards, fields, 
and woods for the pests that destroy vegetation. Of almost equal im- 
portance are the birds of prey whose food consists largely of the small 
rodents which are among the farmer's worst enemies. Indeed, it is 
not too much to say that without birds the earth would not long be 
habitable. 

As yet we are on the threshold of an exact knowledge of the value 
of birds to man ; but let us cite one easily demonstrable case where 
ignorance of birds' habits resulted in direct pecuniary loss. Quoting 
from the report for 1886 of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist and 
Mammalogist of the United States Department of Agriculture : " On 
the 23d of June, 1885, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act 
known as the ' scalp act,' ostensibly ' for the benefit of agriculture,' 
which provides a bounty of fifty cents each on hawks, owls, weasels, 
and minks killed within the limits of the State, and a fee of twenty 
cents to the notary or justice taking the affidavit. 

" By virtue of this act about $90,000 has been paid in bounties 
during the year and a half that has elapsed since the law went into 
effect. This represents the destruction of at least 128,571 of the 
above-mentioned animals, most of which were hawks and owls. 

" Granting that 5,000 chickens are killed annually in Pennsylvania 
by hawks and owls, and that they are worth twenty-five cents each (a 
liberal estimate in view of the fact that a large proportion of them are 
killed when very young), the total loss would be 1,250, and the poultry 
killed in a year and a half would be worth $1,875. Hence it appears 
that during the past eighteen months the State of Pennsylvania has 
Vxpended $90,000 to save its farmers a loss of $1,875. But this esti- 
mate by no means represents the actual loss to the farmer and the tax- 
payer of the State. It is within bounds to say that in the course of a 
year every hawk and owl destroys at least a thousand mice or their 
equivalent in insects, and that each mouse or its equivalent so de- 
stroyed would cause the farmer a loss of two cents per annum. There- 
fore, omitting all reference to the enormous increase in the numbers 
of these noxious animals when Nature's means of holding them in 
check has been removed, the lowest possible estimate of the value to 
the farmer of each hawk, owl, and weasel would be $20 a year, or $30 
in a year and a half. 



g SENTIMENT OP ORNITHOLOGY. 

" Hence, in addition to the $90,000 actually expended by the State 
in destroying 128,571 of its benefactors, it has incurred a loss to its 
agricultural interests of at least $3,857,130, or a total loss of $3,947,130 
in a year and a half, which is at the rate of 2,631,420 per annum. In 
other words, the State has thrown away $2,105 for every dollar saved ! 
And even this does not represent fairly the full loss, for the slaughter 
of such a vast number of predaceous birds and mammals is almost 
certain to be followed by a correspondingly enormous increase in the 
numbers of mice and insects formerly held in check by them, and it 
will take many years to restore the balance thus blindly destroyed 
through ignorance of the economic relations of our common birds and 
mammals." 

To their credit be it said, the legislators of Pennsylvania were not 
slow to recognize the error which a lack of proper information had 
caused them to make. A State ornithologist was appointed, and 
through his efforts this ruinous and absurd law was repealed. 

In 1893 the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy of 
the Department of Agriculture issued a report upon the food of the 
Hawks and Owls of the United States based upon the examination of 
the contents of 2,690 stomachs. It proves conclusively the value 
of most of these misjudged birds to the agriculturist. It is need- 
less to draw a comparison between legislation based upon information 
derived from such reports and that based solely on ignorant preju- 
dices. 

The Sentiment of Ornithology. — We may accept as true Prof. 
Morse's estimate of the value of birds to the scientist ; we need not 
question their importance in the economics of Nature, but we are still 
far from recognizing the possibilities of their influence upon our lives. 
An inherent love of birds is an undeniable psychological fact which 
finds its most frequent expression in the general fondness for cage- 
birds. If we can learn to regard the birds of the woods and fields 
with all the affection we lavish on our poor captives in their gilded 
homes, what an inexhaustible store of enjoyment is ours ! 

It is not alone the beauty, power of song, or intelligence of birds 
which attract us, it is their human attributes. Man exhibits hardly 
a trait which he will not find reflected in the life of a bird. Love, 
hate ; courage, fear ; anger, pleasure ; vanity, modesty ; virtue, vice ; 
constancy, fickleness ; generosity, selfishness ; wit, curiosity, memory, 
reason — we may find them all exhibited in the lives of birds. Birds 
have thus become symbolic of certain human characteristics, and the 
more common species are so interwoven in our art and literature that 
by name at least they are known to all of us. Shakespeare makes 
over six hundred references to birds or bird-life. If we should rob 



SENTIMENT OF ORNITHOLOGY. 9 

Wordsworth's verses of their birds, how sadly mutilated what re- 
mained would be ! 

But why leave a knowledge of birds to poets and naturalists? Go 
yourself to the field and learn that birds do not exist solely in books, 
but are concrete, sentient beings, whose acquaintance may bring you 
more unalloyed happiness than the wealth of the Indies. John Bur- 
roughs understands this when he writes of the study of birds : " There 
is a fascination about it quite overpowering. It fits so well with other 
things — with fishing, hunting, farming, walking, camping out — with 
all that takes one to the fields and woods. One may go a blackberry- 
ing and make some rare discovery; or while driving his cow to pas- 
ture, hear a new song, or make a new observation. Secrets lurk on all 
sides. There is news in every bush. What no man ever saw before 
may the next moment be revealed to you. What a new interest the 
woods have ! How you long to explore every nook and corner of 
them ! " 

Human friends may pass beyond our ken, but our list of acquaint- 
ances in the bird world increases to the end and shows no vacancies. 
The marsh the Blackbirds loved may become the site of a factory, but 
no event on the calendar is more certain than that in due time and 
place we shall hear the tinkling chorus of the epauleted minstrels 
rising and falling on the crisp morning air. 

" . . . . Time may come when never more 
The wilderness shall hear the lion roar ; 
But, long as cock shall crow from household perch 
To rouse the dawn, soft gales shall speed thy wing, 
And thy erratic voice be faithful to the spring ! " 

The woods of our youth may disappear, but the Thrushes will 
always sing for us, and their voices, endeared by cherished associa- 
tions, arouse echoes of a hundred songs and awaken memories before 
which the years will vanish. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE STUDY OF BIRDS OUT-OF-DOORS. 

How to Identify Birds. — Whether your object be to study birds as 
a scientist or simply as a lover of Nature, the first step is the same — 
you must learn to know them. This problem of identification has 
been given up in despair by many would-be ornithologists. We can 
neither pick, press, net, nor impale birds ; and here the botanist and 
the entomologist have a distinct advantage. Even if we have the 
desire to resort to a gun its use is not always possible. But with 
patience and practice the identification of birds is a comparatively 
easy matter, and in the end you will name them with surprising ease 
and certainty. There is generally more character in the flight of a 
bird than there is in the gait of a man. Both are frequently inde- 
scribable but perfectly diagnostic, and you learn to recognize bird 
friends as you do human ones — by experience. 

If you confine your studies to one locality, probably not more than 
one third of the species described in this volume will come within the 
field of your observation. To aid you in learning which species should 
be included in this third, the paragraphs on Range are followed by 
a statement of the bird's standing at Washington, D. C, Sing Sing, 
N. Y., and Cambridge, Mass., while the water-birds of Long Island are 
treated specially. Take the list of birds from the point nearest your 
home as an index of those you may expect to find. This may be 
abridged for a given season by considering the times of the year at 
which a bird is present.* 

* It is sometimes possible to secure a list of birds of your own vicinity. These 
11 local lists" are generally published in scientific journals, but one may tie 
quently secure a copy of the author's edition. On this subject correspond with 
L. S. Foster, 35 Pine Street, New York city. Among the local lists of eastern 
birds which were issued as separate publications and are now for sale are — 

1. A Catalogue of the Birds of the Virginias, by Wm. C. Rives, M. A., M. D. 
Proc. Newport [R. I.] Nat. Hist. Soc, Document VII, 1890, 8vo, pp. 100, one map, 
305 species. 

2. The Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with Introductory 

10 



HOW TO FIND BIRDS. 11 

After this slight preparation you may take to the field with a much 
clearer understanding of the situation. Two quite different ways of 
identifying birds are open to you. Either you may shoot them, or 
study them through a field- or opera-glass. A " bird in the hand " is a 
definite object whose structure and color can be studied to such ad- 
vantage that in most cases you will afterward recognize it at sight. 
After learning the names of its parts, its identity is simply a question 
of keys and descriptions. 

If you would " name the birds without a gun," by all means first 
visit a museum, and, with text-book in hand, study those species which 
you have previously found are to be looked for near your home. This 
preliminary introduction will serve to ripen your acquaintance in the 
field. A good field- or opera-glass is absolutely indispensable. A 
strong opera-glass with a large eye-piece is most useful in the woods, 
while a field-glass is more serviceable in observing water-birds. Study 
your bird as closely as circumstances will permit, and write on the spot 
a comparative description of its size, the shape of its bill, tail, etc., and 
a detailed description of its colors. In describing form take a Robin, 
Chipping Sparrow, or any bird you know, which best serves the pur- 
pose, as a basis for comparison. A bird's bill is generally its most 
diagnostic external character. A sketch of it in your note-book will 
frequently give you a good clew to its owner's family. It is of the 
utmost importance that this description should be written in the field. 
Not only do our memories sometimes deceive us, but we really see 
nothing with exactness until we attempt to describe it. Haunts, ac- 
tions, and notes should also be carefully recorded. This account is 
your " bird in the hand," and while you can not hope to identify it as 
easily as you could a specimen, you will rarely fail to learn its name, 
and experience will render each attempt less difficult than the pre- 
ceding. 

How to Find Birds. — The best times of the day in which to look 
for birds are early morning and late afternoon. After a night of 
fasting and resting, birds are active and hungry. When their appe- 
tites are satisfied they rest quietly until afternoon, hunger again send- 
ing tli em forth in search of food. 

Chapters on Geographical Distribution and Migration, prepared under the Direc- 
tion of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, by Witmer Stone, Conservator 
Ornithological Section Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 8vo, pp. 
185, two diagrams, two maps, 352 species. Price, $1. 

3. An Annotated List of the Birds known to occur within Fifty Miles of New 
York City, by Frank M. Chapman. Published by the American Museum of Natu- 
ral History, New York city, as a guide to its collection of local birds. 8vo, pp. 
100, 30 cuts, 4 full-page plates, 348 species. For sale at the Museum. Price, 15 
cents. 



12 WHEN TO FIND BIRDS. 

Experience will soon show you the places where birds are most 
abundant. The more varied the nature of the country the greater 
number of species you may expect to find inhabiting it. An ideal 
locality would be a bit of tree-dotted meadow with a reed-bordered 
pond or stream, surrounded by woods, rolling uplands, and orchards. 

Common sense will tell you how to act in the field. Birds are gen- 
erally shy creatures and must be approached with caution. You must 
not, therefore, go observing or collecting dressed in flaming red, but 
in some inconspicuous garb and as quietly as a cat. Furthermore, go 
alone and keep the sun at your back — two apparently unrelated but 
equally important bits of advice. 

The collector generally has the instincts of a hunter, and practice 
will develop them. The " s quea k " is one of his most valuable aids. 
It is made by placing the lips to the back of the hand or finger and 
kissing vigorously. The sound produced bears some resemblance to 
the cries of a wounded or young bird. In the nesting season its utter- 
ance frequently creates much excitement in the bird world, and at all 
times it is useful as a means of drawing bush- or reed-haunting species 
from their retreats. One may enter an apparently deserted thicket, 
and, after a few minutes' squeaking, find himself surrounded by an 
anxious or curious group of its feathered inhabitants. 

The observer of birds will find that by far the best way to study 
their habits is to take a sheltered seat in some favored locality and 
become a part of the background. Your passage through the woods 
is generally attended by sufficient noise to w 7 arn birds of your coming 
long before you see them. They are then suspicious and ill at ease. 
But secrete yourself near some spot loved by birds, and it may be your 
privilege to learn the secrets of the forest. 

When to Find Birds. — During the year the bird-life of temperate 
and boreal regions fluctuates with the changing seasons. Birds may 
thus be classed in the following groups according to the manner of 
their occurrence : Permanent residents are birds found in one locality 
throughout the year. Summer residents come from the south in the 
spring, rear their young, and leave in the fall. Winter visitants come 
from the north in the fall, pass the winter, and leave in the spring. 
Transient visitants pass through a given place in migrating to and 
from their summer homes north of it. Accidental visitants are birds 
which have lost their way. They are generally young and inexperi- 
enced, and are usually found in the fall. 

The best time of the year to begin studying birds is in the winter, 
when the bird population of temperate regions is at the minimum. 
The problem of identification is thus reduced to its simplest terms, 
and should be mastered before spring introduces new elements. 



THE ORNITHOLOGICAL YEAR. 13 

The commoner permanent residents of the middle Eastern States 
are the following : 

Bob-white. Hairy Woodpecker, 

Ruffed Grouse, Flicker, 

Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue Jay, 

Red-tailed Hawk, Crow, 

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Meadowlark, 

Barred Owl, American Goldfinch, 

Long-eared Owl, Purple Finch, 

Screech Owl, . Song Sparrow, 

Great Horned Owl, White-breasted Nuthatch, 

Downy Woodpecker, Chickadee, 

and occasionally the Waxwing, Bluebird, and Robin pass the winter. 

To these should be added the following more or less common winter 

visitant land-birds : 

Saw-whet Owl, Tree Sparrow, 

Horned Lark, J unco, 

Snowflake, Northern Shrike, 

Lapland Longspur, Winter Wren, 

Redpoll, Golden-crowned Kinglet, 

American Crossbill, Brown Creeper. 
White-throated Sparrow, 

Let us now begin with the opening of the spring migration and briefly 
review the ornithological year. In the vicinity of New York city the 
first birds arrive from the south late in February or early in March. 
There is much variation in the coming of these early birds. Later, 
when the weather is more settled, migrants arrive within a few days 
of a given date. In April most of our winter visitants leave for the 
north. The current of migration grows steadily stronger until about 
May 12, when high-water mark is reached. Then it rapidly subsides 
and the spring migration is practically over by June 1. The winter 
visitants have gone, the great army of transients has passed us, and 
our bird population is now composed of permanent residents with the 
addition of about ninety summer residents. 

Nesting-time has arrived, and birds which for nearly a year have 
been free to go and come as inclination directed, now have homes 
where, day after day. they may be found in tireless attendance upon 
the nest and its treasures. Courtship, the construction of a dwelling, 
the task of incubation, and care of the young, all tend to stimulate the 
characteristic traits of the bird, and at no other time can its habits 
be studied to better advantage. 

But resident birds begin building long before the migration is con- 



14 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL YEAR. 

eluded. The Great Horned Owl lays in February, other birds in 
March and April ; still, the height of the breeding season is not 
reached until June 1. 

Another period in the avian year closely connected with the spring 
migration and nesting-time is the song season. Near New York city 
it is inaugurated late in February by the Song Sparrow. Voice after 
voice is added to the choir, and in June our woods and fields ring with 
the chorus so dear to lovers of Nature. By the middle of July it is on 
the wane, and early in August it is practically over. Some birds have 
a brief second song season in the fall, but as a rule it lasts only a few 
days — it is a farewell to their summer homes.* 

August is a most discouraging month to the student of birds. 
Birds leave their accustomed haunts and retire to secluded places to 
renew their worn plumages. They are silent and inactive, and there- 
fore difficult to find. Late in the month they reappear clad in travel- 
ing costumes and ready for their southern journey. One by one they 
leave us, and there are days late in August and early in September 
when the woods are almost deserted of birds. Later the fall migra- 
tion becomes continuous, and each night brings a host of new arrivals. 

The spring migration is scarcely concluded before the fall migra- 
tion begins. July 1, Tree Swallows, which rarely nest near New York 
city, appear in numbers from the north and gather in immense flocks 
in our marshes. Later in the month they are joined by Bobolinks. 
Early in August the careful observer will detect occasional small 
flights of Warblers passing southward, and by September 10 the 
great southern march of the birds is well under way ; it reaches its 
height between the 20th and last of the month, when most of the win- 
ter residents arrive, and from this time our bird-life rapidly decreases. 
Some of the seed- and berry-eaters remain until driven southward by 
the cold weather in December. When they have gone our bird popu- 
lation is again reduced to the ever-present permanent residents and 
hardy winter visitants. 

The appended tables graphically illustrate the rise and fall of the 
migrations and of the nesting season. The first is based on my own 
observations at Englewood, N. J., kindly revised and supplemented by 
Mr. Eugene P. Bieknell from extended observations at Riverdale, on 
the opposite side of the Hudson River. 

The second was compiled from data accompanying the collections 
of the American Museum of Natural History. 



* See a series of papers by Mr. E. P. Bieknell entitled " A Study of the Sing- 
ing of our Birds. 11 The Auk, i, 1884, pp. 60-71, 126-140, 209-218, 322-332 ; ii, 1885, 
pp. 144-154, 249-262. 



THE SPRING MIGRATION. 



15 



Date of arrival. 
Feb. 15-Mar. 10. 



March 10-20. 



March 20-31. 



April 1-10. 



April 10-20. 



April 20-30. 



SPRING MIGRATION. 

Date of departure. 

Purple Grackle November 1-30. 

Rusty Blackbird April-May. 

Red-winged Blackbird November 1-30. 

Robin November 1-30. 

Bluebird November 1-30. 

Woodcock November 1-30. 

Phoebe October 20-30. 

Meadowlark November 1-30. 

Cowbird November 1-30. 

Fox Sparrow April 1-15. 

Wilson's Snipe May 1-10. 

Kingfisher November 1-30. 

Mourning Dove November 1-30. 

Swamp Sparrow November 1-30. 

Field Sparrow November 1-30. 

Great Blue Heron November 1-30. 

Purple Finch November 1-30. 

Vesper Sparrow November 1-30. 

Savanna Sparrow May 1-15. 

Chipping Sparrow November 1-30. 

Tree Swallow May 15-31. 

Myrtle Warbler May 10-20. 

American Pipit April 15-25. 

Hermit Thrush April 25-May 10. 

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker April 20-30. 

Barn Swallow October 1-10. 

Yellow Palm Warbler April 25-May 10. 

Pine Warbler May 1-10. 

Louisiana Water Thrush September 20-30. 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet May 1-15. 

Green Heron October 10-20. 

Spotted Sandpiper September 20-30. 

Whip-poor-will October 10-20. 

Chimney Swift October 1-10. 

Least Flycatcher October 1-10. 

Towhee October 20-30. 

Blue-headed Vireo May 10-20. 

Purple Martin September 20-30, 

Cliff Swallow October 1-10. 

Bank Swallow October 1-10. 

Rough-winged Swallow September 1-10. 

Black and White Warbler October 1-10. 

Black-throated Green Warbler May 15-25. 

Oven-bird October 1-10. 

House Wren October 10-20. 

Brown Thrasher October 10-20. 



16 THE SPRING MIGRATION. 

Date of arrival. Date of departure. 

April 20-30. Catbird October 10-20. 

Wood Thrush October 1-10. 

May 1-10. Solitary Sandpiper May 15-25. 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo October 1-10. 

Black-billed Cuckoo October 1-10. 

Nighthawk October 10-20. 

Euby-throated Hummingbird September 20-30. 

Crested Flycatcher September 20-30. 

Kingbird September 20-30. 

Baltimore Oriole September 10-20. 

Orchard Oriole September 1-10. 

Bobolink October 1-10. 

Yellow-winged Sparrow " October 1-10. 

Indigo Bunting October 1-10. 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak September 20-30. 

Scarlet Tanager October 1-10. 

Red-eyed Vireo October 10-20. 

Warbling Vireo September 20-30. 

Yellow-throated Vireo September 20-30. 

White-eyed Vireo October 1-10. 

Nashville Warbler May 20-30. 

Blue- winged Warbler September 1-10. 

Parula Warbler May 20-30. 

Yellow Warbler September 10-20. 

Black-throated Blue Warbler May 15-30. 

Magnolia Warbler May 15-30. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler .' May 20-30. 

Prairie Warbler May 20-30. 

Maryland Yellow-throat October 10-20. 

Small-billed Water Thrush May 15-30. 

Hooded Warbler September 20-30. 

Yellow-breasted Chat September 10-20. 

Kedstart October 1-10. 

Wilson's Thrush September 20-30. 

May 10-20. Wood Pewee . . September 20-30. 

Acadian Flycatcher September 1-10. 

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher May 20-30. 

White-crowned Sparrow May 15-25. 

Golden- winged Warbler May 15-25. 

Tennessee Warbler May 15-25. 

Worm-eating Warbler September 1-10. 

Cape May Warbler. May 15-25. 

Blackburnian Warbler May 15-25. 

Bay -breasted Warbler May 20-30. 

Blackpoll Warbler May 25- June 5. 

Wilson's Warbler May 20-30. 

Canadian Warbler May 25-June 5. 



THE FALL MIGRATION. 



17 



Date of arrival. 

May 10-20. 



May 20-30. 



Date of arrival. 
August 1-15. 



August 15-31. 



September 1-10. 
September 10-20. 

September 20-30. 



October 1-10. 



Date of departure. 

LoDg-billed Marsh Wren October 10-20. 

Short-billed Marsh Wren October 10-20. 

Olive-backed Thrush May 20- June 1. 

Gray-cheeked Thrush May 25-June 5. 

Traill's Flycatcher (?) 

Mourning Warbler . . May 30-June 5. 

BicknelPs Thrush, . . . (?) 

FALL MIGRATION. 

MIGRANTS ARRIVING FROM THE NORTH. 

Date of departure. 

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher . . . . September 20-30. 

Golden-winged Warbler. . September 1-10. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler . -. Sept. 30-Oct. 10. 

Canadian Warbler. ............... September 20-30. 

Small-billed Water Thrush ........... Sept. 25-Oct, 5. 

Olive-sided Flycatcher ........... September 10-20. 

Tennessee Warbler. Sept. 25-Oct. 5. 

Nashville Warbler ............... Sept. 25-Oct. 5. 

Parula Warbler ............ s ... . October 15-25. 

Cape May Warbler. . . Sept. 25-Oct. 5. 

Black-throated Green Warbler. October 15-25. 

Black-throated Blue Warbler October 15-25. 

Magn :Ka Warbler October 10-20. 

Blackb"rnian Warbler. September 20-30. 

Wilson's Warbler September 20-30. 

Canadian Nuthatch November 1-30. 

Red-headed Woodpecker November 1-30. 

Blackpoll Warbler October 15-25. 

Connecticut Warbler September 20-30. 

Blue-headed Vireo October 15-25. 

Philadelphia Vireo .... September 20-30. 

Olive-backed Thrush October 1-10. 

BicknelPs Thrush October 1-10. 

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker October 20-30. 

Junco April 10-May 10. 

White-throated Sparrow May 1-25. 

Myrtle Warbler May 5-20. 

Yellow Palm Warbler October 15-30. 

Brown Creeper April 1-30. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet April 1-20. 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet October 20-30. 

Winter Wren April 1-30. 

Gray-cheeked Thrush October 15-25. 

Bronzed Grackle December 1-30. 

Rusty Blackbird December 1-30. 

American Pipit Oct. 25-Nov, 5. 



IS THE FALL MIGRATION. 

Date of arrival , Date of departure. 

Oct 1-10. Hermit Thrush November 1-80. 

October L0-20, Fox Sparrow Nov. 2o-Pec. 5. 

October 20-81. Pine Finch May 1-81. 

Tree Sparrow April 1-80. 

Northern Shrike March 1-81. 

SUMXEB RESIDENTS LEAVING FOB THE SOUTH. 
Pate of departure. 
September 1-10. Acadian Flycatcher 

Orchard Oriole 

Rough-winged Swallow 

Worm-eating Warbler 

Blue-winged Warbler 

September 10-20. Baltimore Oriole 

Purple Martin 

Yellow YV arbler 

Yellow-breasted Chat 

September '20-80. Hummingbird 

Kingbird 

Great-crested Flycatcher 

Wood Pewee 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 

Yellow-throated Vireo 

Warbling Vireo 

Hooded Warbler 

Louisiana Water Thrash 

Wilson's Thrush 

October 1-10. Yellow-billed Cuckoo 

Black-billed Cuckoo 

Chimney Swift 

L< ast Flycatcher 

P. bolink 

Yellow-winged Sparrow 

Indigo Bunting 

Scarlet Tanager 

-. Swallow 

Cliff Swallow 

Rank Swallow 

W hite-ey ed V ireo 

Black and White Warbler 

Redstart 

Oven-bird 

Wood Thrush 

October 10-20. Whip-poor-will 

N ighthawk 

Red-eyed Vireo 

Maryland Yellow-throat 



THE NESTING SEASON. 



19 



Date of departure. 

Oct. 10-20. Long-billed Marsh Wren 

Short-billed Marsh Wren 

House Wren 

Brown Thrasher 

Catbird 

October 20-31. Phoebe 

Townee 

Tree Swallow 

November 1-30.* Woodcock 

Mourning Dove 

Kingfisher 

Red- winged Blackbird 

Purple Grackle 

Cowbird 

Vesper Sparrow 

Field Sparrow 

Chipping Sparrow 

Swamp Sparrow 

DATES AT WHICH BIRDS BEGIN TO NEST IN THE VICINITY OF 
NEW YORK CITY.t 

Feb. 28. Great Horned Owl. May 2. Osprey. 

Mar. 12. Barred Owl. 3. Cardinal. 

28. Carolina Wren. 5. Cowbird. [In Song Spar- 

30. Duck Hawk. row's nest] 

April 1. Woodcock. 6. Wood Duck. 

3. Red-shouldered Hawk. 6. Green Heron. 

3. Screech Owl. 7. Flicker. 

6. Red-tailed Hawk. 8. Barn Swallow. 

9. American Crow. 10. Clapper Rail. 

9. Long-eared Owl. 10. Killdeer. 

10. Bluebird. 10. Ruffed Grouse. 

17. White-breasted Nuthatch. 10. Sparrow Hawk. 

18. Broad-winged Hawk. 10. Savanna Sparrow. 
20. Robin. 10. Vesper Sparrow. 

25. Mourning Dove. 11. Louisiana Water-Thrush. 

25. Purple Grackle. 12. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 

28. Phoebe. 13. Red-headed Woodpecker. 

29. Song Sparrow. 14. Acadian Flycatcher. 
May 1. Black-crowned Night Heron. 14. Blue Jay. 

1. Cooper's Hawk. 14. Chipping Sparrow. 

1. Kingfisher. 14. Towhee. 

* Should the season be an exceptionally mild one, many of these birds may 
remain until late in December. 

t Based on data accompanying the oological collections of the American 
Museum, and on the observations of Prof. Marston T. Bogert, Dr. J. Dwight, Jr., 
Dr. Evan M. Evans, Mr. W. P. Lemmon, and the author. The dates given are 
those on which, with some exceptions, full sets of eggs have been taken. 



20 



THE NESTING SEASON. 



May 15. 


King Rail. 


May 25. 


M ar \ 1 and Yellow-throat. 


15. 


Virginia Rail. 


26. 


Bob-white. 


15. 


Meadowlark. 


26. 


Marsh Hawk. 


15. 


Field Sparrow. 


28. 


Grasshopper Sparrow. 


15. 


Swamp Sparrow. 


28. 


Red-eyed Vireo. 


15. 


Hooded Warbler. 


28. 


Yellow- throated Vireo. 


16. 


Blue- winged Warbler. 


29. 


Black-billed Cuckoo. 


16. 


Brown Thrasher. 


29. 


Kingbird. 


17. 


Fish Crow. 


29. 


Bobolink. 


17. 


Redstart. 


29. 


Indigo Bunting. 


17. 


Catbird. 


29. 


Chestnut-sided Warbler. 


17. 


Wood Thrush. 


30. 


Y T ellow-billed Cuckoo. 


IS. 


Red-winged Blackbird. 


30. 


Orchard Oriole. 


18. 


Black and White Warbler. 


30. 


Seaside Sparrow. 


18. 


House Wren. 


30. 


Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 


19. 


Tree Swallow. 


30. 


Rough-winged Swallow, 


19. 


Bank Swallow. 


30. 


Cliff Swallow. 


19. 


Chickadee. 


30. 


Warbling Vireo. 


20. 


Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 


30. 


Prairie Warbler. 


20. 


Worm-eating Warbler. 


31. 


Long-billed Marsh Wren. 


20. 


Oven-bird. 


31. 


Least Bittern. 


20. 


Veery. 


June 1. 


Bartramian Sandpiper. 


21. 


Sharp-shinned Hawk. 


1. 


Piping Plover. 


21. 


Downy Woodpecker. 


1. 


Nighthawk. 


21. 


Least Flycatcher. 


1. 


Kentucky Warbler. 


22. 


Parula Warbler. 


3. 


Whip-poor-will. 


23. 


Hairy Woodpecker, 


3. 


Great-crested Flycatcher. 


22. 


Chat 


3. 


Scarlet Tanager. 


24. 


Purple Finch. 


5. 


Wood Pewee. 


24. 


Spotted Sandpiper. 


7. 


Short-billed Marsh Wren. 


25. 


Chimney Swift. 


8. 


Laughing Gull. 


25. 


Baltimore Oriole. 


12. 


Common Tern. 


25. 


Purple Martin. 


19. 


Cedar Wax wing. 


25. 


White-eyed Vireo. 


20. 


American Goldfinch. 



Hints on keeping Note-Books and Journals. — The necessity of a 
well-kept journal can not be too strongly urged. Specimens may be 
duplicated, but no one can ever see with your eyes. Do not attempt 
to trust to your memory — a willing servant of the mind too frequently 
imposed upon. It may receive and retain one impression clearly, but 
as others are added the earlier ones lose their distinctness or become 
entirely effaced. 

The system adopted for recording notes should be simple to keep 
and easy of reference. The one here recommended has stood the test 
of ten years' experience. After returning from the field I enter in my 
" roll-book," at once, a record of the weather, temperature, direction 
and force of the wind, locality visited, time of starting and returning, 



NOTE-BOOKS AND JOURNALS. 



21 



and incidental observations on the blooming of flowers, appearance of 
certain insects, calling of frogs, etc. Then follows a statement of the 
numbers of every species of birds seen, with various remarks concern- 
ing them. One might suppose that much time would be required to 
make a detailed record of this kind, but, on the contrary, it seldom 
takes five minutes. 

Almost any stationer can supply you with a " roll-" or " time-book " 
having a space at the left side of the left-hand page for the entry of 
names, and the rest of both pages ruled in squares. The best plan is 
to have sheets of paper ruled in this way. These sheets should have 
holes punched in their margins for binding in covers, when new sheets 
can be inserted as desired. Some idea of their appearance may be 
gathered from the appended part of a left-hand page : 



Date 














Weather. 














Temperature 














Wind 














Localitv 














Start 














Return 














Remarks 


























Bluebird 














Robin 















22 NOTE-BOOKS AND JOURNALS. 

After filling in the preliminary data I write after the name of each 
bird either the exact or approximate number of individuals seen, or else 
the letters " A.," "C," or ki T. C," meaning abundant, common, or tol- 
erably common. This is accompanied by an " s " if the bird is in song, 
or " calls " if it is simply heard calling. The possibilities of abbrevia- 
tion are unlimited, but use no abbreviation which is not fully explained. 

If you wish to make a record of some length concerning a certain 
species, place a cross or asterisk in its square. This refers to your 
journal of the same date. 

Read from left to right, the roll-book gives in a graphic, condensed 
form the standing of a species during the period of observation. Read 
from the top to the bottom of the page, it gives in an easily comparable 
way the complete record of each day, and at the same time it becomes 
an index to the bird-notes in your journal. 

To prevent needlessly multiplying your roll-books the series of 
birds' names should be made to last at least during an entire season. 
To this end do not completely fill the right-hand page, but when you 
have used all of it but a space equal in width to the space occupied 
by the column of birds' names, cut this part of the page — the ex- 
treme right — off ; the part remaining will, when turned over to the 
left, just meet the column of names, and the lines of this column and 
the new page will thus run continuously. As before remarked, the 
roll-book should be attended to immediately on returning from the 
field, while your impressions are fresh. The journal may wait, when 
a reference to the roll-book will aid in recalling the day's experiences. 
In addition to these two books, both of which should be quarto size, 
you need a small, leather-covered, pocket note-book for use in jotting 
memoranda in the field. 



CHAPTER III. 
COLLECTING BIRDS, THEIR NESTS, AND EGGS. 

Collecting Birds. — With few exceptions, the plumages of the birds 
of the eastern United States are well known to science. You will col- 
lect them, therefore, purely for the purpose of self-education. To this 
end it is not necessary that you should acquire the large series of speci- 
mens found in museums. From two to five specimens of each kind 
are enough, and when through their medium you have become famil- 
iar with the appearance of the species they represent, use the gun only 
to add to your list of acquaintances. If you wish to make a detailed, 
critical study of changes in the plumage of species due to age, sex, or 
season, or to compare some apparently abnormal specimen, visit the 
nearest museum, the collections of which should be accessible to every 
earnest student. 

Our eastern birds have been measured and described, their varia- 
tions noted and recorded, and there is little left to learn in study- 
ing their skins from a local standpoint. What we want now is knowl- 
edge of the living, not the dead, bird. A thoroughly exhaustive 
account of the habits of any one of our commonest birds is still to be 
written. Remember, then, that collections are a means, not the end, 
of ornithological research. 

When armed and ready for the field, you should have a canvas 
hunting-coat, a pair of field- or opera-glasses, a fisherman's basket or 
"creel," a discarded octavo pamphlet or catalogue of rather heavy 
paper, cotton, a small bottle of corn-meal, and a 16-bore shot-gun 
with a 0*32 auxiliary barrel, and the necessary complement of shells. 
The auxiliary barrel can be purchased of dealers in natural history 
supplies; it should not exceed ten inches in length. The shells for 
it should be of brass, center-fire, and strong enough to stand reloading 
many times. Load chem with a fine-grained powder and No. 12 shot 
— about three fifths powder and two fifths shot. For killing birds 
from the size of a Blue Jay downward they will be effective at a dis- 
tance of twenty to twenty-five yards. In other words, fully three 
fourths of your shooting will be done with them. Of 16-bore shells 

23 



24 MAKING BIRDSKINS. 

carry some loaded with two and a half drachms of powder and three 
fourths of an ounce of No. 10 shot, and a few others loaded with the 
same charge of powder and an ounce of No. 6 shot. 

On killing a bird, pick it up by the bill or feet, and at once sprinkle 
meal or dry earth on any blood which may be visible. When this is 
saturated, scrape it off with a knife-blade and repeat the operation 
until all the blood is absorbed. Sprinkle some meal at the base of the 
feathers about the shot-holes from which the blood appears, or, if 
necessary, plug these holes with bits of cotton. Place a large plug 
of cotton in the mouth and force it well down the throat to prevent 
bleeding at the mouth from an internal wound. In some cases it is 
necessary to also plug the nostrils. Now make a cornucopia from a 
leaf of the pamphlet, drop the bird in it head foremost, taking care 
that the bill is not turned forward on to the throat, and, if the bird 
is not too large, fold in the edges of the cornucopia and place the 
specimen in your basket. In the case of very large specimens — 
Hawks, Owls, etc. — it is advisable to skin out the body in the field, 
when they can be packed in much smaller space. 

Making Birdskins. — If you have fully decided to make a collection 
of birds, the very best and cheapest way to begin it is to get some 
one to give you two or three lessons in the art of preparing birdskins. 
With proper instruction it is not difficult to learn to skin birds. I 
have known beginners who had closely watched experts at work, make 
fair skins at their first attempt — better skins, indeed, than the person 
who learns only from written directions may ever make. I am speak- 
ing from experience. Only too clearly do I remember my own first 
attempts at skinning birds and their hopelessly wretched results. In 
despair I at last sought the assistance of a distant ornithological friend. 
In one lesson he made the process so clear to me that I was at once 
enabled to make skins twice as quickly and twice as well. However, 
we unfortunately are not all blessed with ornithological friends to 
whom we can turn for advice, and I therefore append the following 
directions for making birdskins : 

First procure a scalpel with a well-rounded end, a pair of sharp- 
pointed scissors with rather long handles, a pair of blunt-ended, rather 
strong scissors, and a pair of flat-ended forceps. These may be pur- 
chased of any dealer in naturalists' supplies or at a surgical instrument 
maker's. Procure also a quart or so of fine corn -meal to use as an ab- 
sorbent, a pound or two of powdered arsenic and alum mixed in equal 
parts, and an abundance of the best cotton batting money will buy. 
Now we are ready to begin with a bird, say, the size of a Robin : 1. 
Plug the bird's throat and nostrils tightly with fresh cotton. If the 
eyeball is ruptured, pull it out with the forceps and fill the cavity 



MAKING BIRDSKINS. 25 

with meal. 2. Lay the bird before you on its back, its bill pointing 
to the left ; place your open left hand lengthwise on it, so that the 
base of your first and second fingers rests on the middle of the breast- 
bone ; use these fingers and the handle of the scalpel to separate the 
feathers from near the end of the breastbone to the vent, and when 
the parting is made use the same fingers to hold the feathers aside. 
3. With the scalpel make an incision in the skin from just in front 
of the end of the breastbone, or at the base of the V formed by the 
spread fingers, to the vent, being careful not to cut through into the 
abdomen. 4. Sprinkle a pinch of meal along the cut. 5. Lift the 
skin at the front end of the cut and insert the end of the scalpel handle 
between it and the breastbone. If you try to do this lower down on 
the cut, over the belly, you will find it difficult to separate the skin 
on which the feathers grow from the immediately underlying skin 
which covers the abdomen. Separate the skin from the body the whole 
length of the cut and as far down toward the backbone as possible, 
thus exposing the bare knee. 6. Take hold of the foot and push the 
knee farther up into view, then take the blunt-ended scissors and, on 
the inside of the skin, clip the leg entirely in two. 7. Repeat opera- 
tions 5 and 6 on the other side of the body. 8. Press away the skin 
as much as possible on either side of the rump, and place the thumb 
at the left side (left, seen from above) of the base of the tail or " pope's 
nose," with the first finger on the other side (both inside the skin) and 
the second finger behind (above) on the rump ; now with the blunt 
scissors cut through the flesh between the thumb and first finger 
toward the second finger, which serves the purpose of a guard to pre- 
vent you from cutting through the skin. 9. Stand the bird on its 
breastbone, the belly toward you, and with both thumbs press the 
tail and skin of the rump over and down off the stump from which 
you have just cut it. 10. When the stump is free from the skin, take 
hold of it with the right hand and with the fingers of the left gently 
press the skin from the body, keeping it constantly turned inside out 
and using an abundance of meal. 11. Soon the wing-bones (humerus) 
will appear. Clip them off at either side close to the body, and re- 
sume skinning as before. 12. The skin will slip easily over the neck, 
and you will then meet with an obstruction in the head. 13. Work 
the skin carefully over the head, using the tips of the first two fingers 
of either hand, placing the thumbs as a brace farther forward over the 



* In large-headed birds, like Ducks and Woodpeckers, this is impossible, and 
it is necessary to slit the skin down the back of the neck and push the skull 
through the opening. 



20 MAKING A BIRDSK1N. 

will now appear ; carefully cut the membrane joining the skin and 
eyeball, making the incision as far back as possible, in order to avoid 
cutting the skin, which should be pulled forward until it is entirely 
free of the eyeball. 16. Remove the eyes with the forceps. 17. With 
the sharp-pointed scissors make an incision directly across the roof of 
the mouth, inside the branches of the lower mandible, just back of the 
skin, and below the eye-sockets. 18. With the sharp-pointed scissors 
make incisions from either end of this cut back along the branches of 
the lower mandible through the base of the skull on either side of the 
neck at its junction with the skull. 19. Connect these cuts by a fourth, 
which passes through the base of the skull just above the neck, and 
pull the body and neck from the skull. 20. Scoop out what brains 
remain with the handle of the scalpel. 21. Pull the end of the wing- 
bone (humerus) inward, skinning the feathers off the bones of the fore- 
arm (radius and ulna), and remove the flesh. 22. Do the same thing 
for the legs, but, after cleaning, do not in either case pull the bones 
back. 23. Remove as much flesh as possible from the base of the tail, 
including the oil-gland at the base of the tail above. 24. Hold the 
skin over the arsenic and alum box, and with a bit of fluffy cotton at 
the end of a stick, or held in the forceps, dust it thoroughly with the 
poison, giving an extra allowance to the base of the tail and bones of 
the skull, wings, and legs. 25. Pull the legs back into place. 26. 
Place a fluff of cotton on the end of a wire and roll it into a firm, smooth 
ball, placing one in each eye-socket. 27. Coax the skin back over the 
head, using the first two fingers of each hand and placing the thumbs 
at the base of the skull. When the tip of the bill appears through 
the feathers, use the fingers outside, on the feathers, pressing the skin 
back over the head, and keeping the thumbs in the same position. 
When the bill is free, take it with the right hand, and use the fingers 
of the left to urge the skin over the skull, being careful to get it in 
its former place so that the feathers of the head will lie smoothly. 
28. Dress the feathers of the head, particularly those about the 
eye. 29. Take hold of the tip of the bill and shake the skin gently 
but vigorously to aid in settling the plumage. 30. Lay the skin on 
its back, the bill pointing from you, and turn back the feathers 
about the opening on the belly. 31. See that the wing-bones lie flat 
on the back of the skin, with their ends touching each other.* 32. 



* The most difficult part in making a birdskin is to induce the wings to as- 
sume anything like their natural position when closed. This is because the arti- 
ficial, cotton body is apt to force them outward on to the sides rather than on 
the back, where they belong. 

In the bird in the flesh the wings are held in place by being attached to the 
body ; in the skin they are loose and hanging. To remedy this, after drawing 



SEXING. 27 

Take a bit of fluffy cotton, press it lightly together, and draw out 
one end to form a neck. When released from your grasp this cotton 
body should be but little larger than the body you have removed from 
the skin. 33. Take the end of the neck with the forceps and insert it 
gently into the neck of the skin, working the skin down on to it in 
order to avoid stretching the neck, until the points of the forceps ap- 
pear in the mouth, then hold the cotton there and withdraw the for- 
ceps. 34. Carefully fit the cotton body into the skin. 35. Put one or 
two stitches in the incision on the belly. 36. Ascertain the sex of the 
bird (see beyond). 37. Cross the legs, and at the point of intersection 
attach a label (see beyond). 38. Squeeze the wing-bones together until 
you feel the tips of your fingers meet over the bird's back. 39. Pre- 
pare a sheet of cotton about five inches square and as thin as you can 
make it ; lay the bird on this on its right side, the bill pointing to your 
right hand. 40. Put the left wing in place and dress the feathers about 
it. 41. Take hold of the sheet of cotton, and turn the bird over in it in 
order that you may dress the right wing. 42. Roll the bird on to its 
belly, holding the wings in position with the thumb and first finger 
of the left hand, and with the right hand bring the tips of the wing- 
feathers into their proper place over the back. 43. Roll the bird back 
on to its back, the bill pointing to your right hand ; take the end of 
the sheet of cotton farthest from you and draw it lightly over the 
bird to the side nearest you. 44. Draw the end nearest you in the 
opposite direction. 45. See that the feet, tail, and tips of the wings 
are in their proper position, and place your specimen out of harm's 
way to dry. 

It will doubtless take you from half an hour to an hour to make 
your first birdskin. It will probably be a sorry-looking object, per- 
haps minus a head or tail or half its feathers ; but do not let this dis- 
courage you. An expert can make ten birdskins an hour, and you 
need only practice to approach this. 

There are endless variations of the method here described. It is 
not possible to go into further details here, and if you have taxider- 
mic ambitions I would advise you to procure a copy of Mr. W. T. 
Hornaday's excellent Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting (Scribner, 
$2.50). 

Sexing. — A specimen without a sex mark on its label is of com- 
paratively little value. The sex in many birds can of course be dis- 

the wing-bones in to remove the flesh from them, they should be pushed back 
only far enough to enable one to see plainly the elbow or bend of the wing out- 
side of the skin. This prevents the wings from hanging, and, to further keep 
them in place, it will be well at first to tie the ends of the bones (humeri) to« 
gether. 



28 CATALOGUING AND LABELING. 

tinguished by their color, but the young male frequently resembles 
the female, while in some instances the female has been known to as- 
sume the plumage of the male. Dissection, therefore, is the only safe 
way to determine sex. Upon reaching stage 36, in the operation of 
making a birdskin, cat through the left side of the body from the 
vent to the neck, taking care not to disturb the internal organs. Force 
the edges of the opening apart, and, pressing the intestines gently to 




Fig. 1.— A completed birdskin. (Reduced). 

one side, look for the sexual organs, which will be found on the walls 
of the small of the back very near to the backbone. The male organs 
(testes), two in number, are usually dull-white, elongate bodies lying 
side by side. The female organs (ovaries) are composed of numerous 
round bodies lying in a mass or cluster. In the breeding season the 
sexual organs of birds become much enlarged, and at this season the 
testes of a male Chipping Sparrow are about the size of a pea, while 
the ovaries of the female have been likened to a bunch of grapes, the 
largest being the size of the yolk of the egg of this species. After the 
breeding season the sexual organs decrease in size, and in adults in the 
winter and young birds are sometimes difficult to find. The testes of 
a male Chipping Sparrow at that season are about as large as a small 
pinhead. while a hand-lens is required to plainly distinguish the ova- 
ries of the female. The arrow of Mars ( $ ) is used to indicate the male 
sex ; the mirror of Venus ( $ ) the female sex. 

Cataloguing and Labeling. — Before skinning your birds you should 
catalogue them. The catalogue should have columns giving (1) the 
date, (2) your serial collection number, (3) name of the bird, (4) sex, 
(5) place of capture, (6) name of collector, and (7) remarks. In the last 
column enter any notes on the color of the eyes, or parts which will 
change color when drying, contents of the stomach, and other notes. 
In addition to this " day-book" or "blotter" some ornithologists open 
a ledger account with their collection, and devote a folio to each spe- 
cies where are posted the entries made in the collection register. 

Labels should be of strong bond paper, two inches and a half long 
and half an inch wide. They are attached to the crossed legs of the 
bird by linen thread strung through their left end. The face of the 
label bears the name and sex of thejoird, place and date of capture, 



CARE OF COLLECTIONS. 29 

name of collector, and serial collection number. The label shown in 
Fig. 1 is small, but will illustrate the appearance and manner of at- 
tachment. The name of the owner of the collection is printed on the 
back of the label, preceded by the words " Collection of." 

Many collectors prefer to use as a field label a small jeweler's tag 
upon which the collection number, sex, and date are written. The 
large label is added after the specimen is dry. 

Care of a Collection. — The best cases in which to keep a collection 
of birdskins are known as " Cambridge cans." They are made of tin 
with covers which fit into grooves lined with rubber tubing, and are 
practically air-tight. The smaller sizes cost from five dollars to seven 
dollars and a half each, and can be obtained of Muller and Wood, 731 
Seventh Avenue, New York city. 

A wooden cabinet with tight-fitting drawers and door is less ex- 
pensive, and with ordinary care will preserve specimens for a prac- 
tically indefinite period. The drawers should be thirty inches long by 
sixteen inches in width. For birds the size of a Robin a depth of one 
inch and three quarters is sufficient, while drawers four inches deep 
will take the largest Hawks or Owls. These drawers will hold about 
thirty birds the size of a Robin, eighty the size of a Chickadee, and 
eight to ten Hawks and Owls. 

Well cleaned and thoroughly poisoned specimens of small birds are 
not likely to be attacked by the moth {Tinea) or beetles (Dermestes 
and Anthrenus) which so often infest poorly prepared or nonpoisoned 
skins. Naphthaline crystals or camphor gum should be placed in 
each drawer of the cabinet, the door of which should not be left open 
needlessly. If a specimen falls a victim to insects, the better plan is 
to discard it at once. If, however, it is rare, it may be taken out-of- 
doors and placed in an air-tight box with a few tablespoonfuls of 
bisulphuret of carbon. 

Collecting and Preserving Nests and Eggs. — No one, I think, will 
venture to dispute the assertion that Captain Charles Bendire, Hon- 
orary Curator of the Department of Oology in the United States Na- 
tional Museum, is our leading authority on the study of birds' eggs. 
The following quotation, therefore, from Captain Bendire's Instruc- 
tions for Collecting, Preparing, and Preserving Birds' Eggs and Nests * 
may be taken as the opinion of one who knows whereof he speaks : 
" Unless the would-be collector intends to make an especial study of 
oology and has a higher aim than the mere desire to take and accu- 
mulate as large a numb.er of eggs as possible regardless of their proper 
identification, he had better not begin at all, but leave the nests and 

* Part D, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 39, 1891, pp. 3-10. 



30 COLLECTING NESTS AND EGGS. 

eggs of our birds alone and undisturbed. They have too many ene- 
mies to contend with, without adding the average egg collector to the 
number. The mere accumulation of specimens is the least important 
object of the true oologist. His principal aim should be to make care- 
ful observations on the habits, call notes, song, the character of the 
food, mode and length of incubation, and the actions of the species 
generally, from the beginning of the mating season to the time the 
young are able to leave the nest. This period comprises the most in- 
teresting and instructive part of the life-history of our birds." Very 
heartily do I indorse every word of this, and to the concluding sen- 
tence I would add : and there can be no better way to avoid increasing 
our knowledge of a bird's domestic life than to rob it of its eggs, and 
destroy its home and our own opportunities at the same time. Studied 
from a local standpoint, I confess I can see only two points of interest 
in a bird's egg — one is what the egg is in, the other is what is in the 

egg- 
Nevertheless, I can understand the pleasure attending the legiti- 
mate formation of what Captain Bendire calls " a small, thoroughly 
identified, well-prepared, and neatly cared for collection," which, as 
the same author adds, " is worth far more scientifically and in every 
other way than a more extensive one gained by exchange or purchase." 
An egg-collector's outfit consists of several drills, an embryo-hook, 
a blowpipe, forceps, and scissors. A fresh egg should be blown 
through a hole slightly larger than the tip of the blowpipe. Drill 
the hole in the side of the egg, and, after inserting the blowpipe about 
one sixteenth of an inch, blow gently and steadily until the contents 
have been removed. Then rinse the egg thoroughly with water and 
lay it hole downward on corn-meal to drain. 

In eggs containing embryos it is necessary to make a hole large 
enough to permit of the use of the embryo-hook, scissors, or forceps, 
as the case may be. 

Each egg should be marked with the number of the species in the 
Check List of the American Ornithologists' Union, the number of the 
set in your collection, and the number of eggs in the set. Thus, if I 
were going to label my second set of four eggs of the Bluebird, I should 
write with a lead pencil on each egg, near the hole, 766|. 

There are many ways of displaying collections of eggs. Some col- 
lectors place their eggs in little boxes or partitions filled with sawdust 
or cotton ; Captain Bendire uses small pasteboard trays lined, bottom 
and sides, with cotton wadding, and divided into partitions for each 
egg by strips of cotton wadding set on edge. It is, however, very 
largely a matter of taste, and collectors generally have their own ideas 
on these matters. 



COLLECTING NESTS AND EGGS. 31 

A collection of birds' nests is a telling object lesson in the study 
of ornithology. Familiar as I am with them, I never see the nests of 
some birds without feeling the most intense admiration for the mar- 
velous skill which has aided them in forming a structure man would 
find it difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate. A bird's nest in its 
original site is a concrete expression of the intelligence of its maker; 
for the foresight displayed in the choice of a situation, and the inge- 
nuity shown in the construction of the nest, even if largely instinctive 
now, originated in the intelligence of a line of ancestors. 

Nests may be collected before they have been used, when the birds 
will generally build again ; or you may wait and take them after the 
birds have left them, labeling each nest with what you have learned 
of the history of its owners. For example : Time required for its con- 
struction ; whether made by one or both sexes ; notes on the laying of 
the eggs ; period of incubation ; whether both sexes assisted in incu- 
bation ; care of the young ; number of days they were in the nest. etc. 

Some nests, for example the pendent " baskets " of Vireos or such 
as are placed in crotches, should be taken with the crotch or branch 
to which they are attached. 

With others it is obviously impossible to do this. They should 
therefore be placed in a frame of wire and wrapped about with fine 
wire thread. To make this frame, twist two pieces of annealed wire, 
painted brown, into the shape of a letter X. About midway from the 
point of intersection and the end of the arm, bend the wires upward 
at right angles. Now take the fine hair or thread wire and wind it 
about the four horizontal arms of the frame until its bottom looks 
like a spider's web ; place the nest in this half-formed basket, bend 
the upright wires inward or outward as the case requires, and continue 
winding until the nest is bound firmly. The size of the frame and 
the wire used in its construction may be varied to suit the nest. 



PLAN OF THE WORK. 

Nomenclature. — The nomenclature of the American Ornithologists 
Union's* Check-List of North American Birds has been adopted. The 
number preceding the name of each species is its permanent number 
in the Union's " Check-List." 

Definition of Terms— The accompanying figure with its named 
parts will explain the meaning of the terms used in the following de- 
scriptions of birds. The words, upper parts and under parts, men- 
tioned so frequently, refer respectively to the whole upper or under 
surfaces of the body of the bird from the base of the bill to the root of 
the tail, but are not applied to either wings or tail. 

There are infinite variations in the markings of feathers, and those 
figured present only the patterns most frequently met with. The 
shaft of the feather is the midrib, to either side of which the vanes 
or webs are attached. 

The Keys.— It is of the utmost importance to thoroughly under- 
stand the use of the keys. At first sight they will, no doubt, appear 
confusing, but in reality they are exceedingly simple. The system 
upon which they are arranged may be mastered in a few minutes, and 
you will then be surprised at the ease and rapidity with which, even 
in large families, you can "run a bird down." 

The Key to Families. — Strictly speaking this is not one key but a 
series of keys, one under each order. 

The orders are placed in a natural sequence — that is, we begin with 
the oldest or lowest forms of birds, Loons, Grebes, etc., and end with 



* The American Ornithologists'' Union is the leading society of its kind in 
tli is country. Its membership includes the foremost ornithologists of the world, 
and is divided into four classes : 1. Honorary members, limited to 25 in number. 
2. Active members, limited to 50 in number, who must be residents of North 
America. 3. Corresponding members, limited to 100 in number ; and 4. Asso- 
ciate members, who must be residents of North America, and are not limited as 
to number. The total membership of the Union in December, 1894, was 616. 
Annual meetings are held, usually in Washington, New York, or Cambridge. 
The Auk, the official organ of the Union, is a quarterly journal under the editor- 
ship of Dr. J. A. Allen, at the American Museum of Natural History. 



USE OP THE KEYS. 



33 



the most highly developed ones, Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc. Two main 
divisions are given : first, Water Birds ; second, Land Birds. In no 




case will it be difficult to decide in which of there groups a bird be- 
longs. Now glance over the illustrations and select the one which 
you think most nearly resembles the bird you are identifying. At 



34 



USE OF THE KEYS. 



each step test your decision by reading the brief diagnoses of orders 
and families. In this way you may readily place your bird in its 
proper family. 

The Keys io Species. — If a bird always wore the same plumage it 
would be a comparatively easy matter to place it in a certain section 




Fig. 3.— Spotted (a), streaked (6), barred (c), and margined (d) feathers. 



of a key and keep it there. But, unfortunately, not only are the males 
and females of the same species frequently quite unlike, and the young 
different from either, but their plumages may vary with the season. 
Thus, you see, a bird's color is a most uncertain quantity. An individ- 
ual of a given species may not only wear two very different costumes, 
but, in doffing one for another, he does it gradually, and in the mean- 
time appears in changing or transition plumage. 

For this reason it has been customary to base keys on only adult 
males. Such keys do very well in the nesting season, when birds are 
in song, and w T hen males constitute probably nine tenths of the birds 
one sees. But at other times of the year young birds outnumber the 
old ones, and the adults themselves may lose their breeding plumage 
and wear quite a different one. I have, therefore, attempted to make 
keys which will identify a bird in any plumage. To do this it was 
necessary to use many more specimens than there were species. For 
example, the key to our some 40 species of Warblers is based on 110 
specimens representing as many phases of plumage. 

With identification as the sole end in view I have, in the keys, 
abandoned all attempts to follow the current system of classification, 
and, taking color as the most tangible character, have to a great extent 
arranged the species on this character alone. The result, from the sys- 
tematist's standpoint, is most unnatural. Species of different genera 



USE OF THE KEYS. 35 

are brought into the same subsections, and the more variable species 
may be placed in several widely separated sections. 

The maker of keys, however, should not try to serve two masters. 
If the keys will identify, they will have accomplished their purpose. 
The classification of our birds is shown in the body of the book, where 
the species are arranged according to the system adopted by the Ameri- 
can Ornithologists' Union. 

In making these keys the birds are first assorted into several major 
sections or groups, according to the markings of some one part of the 
body. Each one of these sections is preceded by the same kind of 
number or letter. The heading of a group or section applies to all the 
species included in it. Thus, if I does not apply to the bird you are 
identifying, you must pass at once to II, or III, or IV, as the case may 
be. In like manner, if the bird does not fall into sections 1, A, or a, 
we go to 2, B, or b, respectively. Even should the first section describe 
your bird, it is well to read the sections which are contrasted with it. 

As a model to show how the keys are used, let us identify, first, a 
male adult Red-winged Blackbird — a black bird with a red and buff 
shoulder-patch. Turning to the key to the family Icteridce, or Black- 
birds, Orioles, etc., we read : 

" 1. With yellow or orange in the under parts. 

" II. Under parts black, with or without metallic reflections. 

" III. Under parts grayish, slate color, chestnut, or buffy. 

" IV. Under parts black and white, or black tipped and margined 
with rusty." 

Our bird has the under parts entirely black, so it evidently belongs 
in Section II. Under this section we read : " A. Outer tail-feather 0*75 
or more shorter than middle ones; bill 1*00 or more in length." Our 
bird has all the tail-feathers of nearly equal length, the bill less than 
an inch long. It can not therefore belong in A, so we go to B and 
read : " Outer tail-feather little if any shorter than middle ones ; bill 
less than 1*00 in length." There is no other section, and we con- 
clude that our bird belongs here. Now we find a, b, c, d, each one 
placed directly beneath the other, and each one leading to the name 
of a species. This means that the statement following these letters 
refers to some mark or character by which one of these species may be 
known from the other, and that we should read them all. First comes 
"a. Entire plumage bluish black." That will not do. Second, "b. A 
red and buff shoulder-patch." Evidently this refers to our bird, but 
we confirm our belief by glancing at c and d, neither of which can 
apply to our specimen ; we decide, therefore, that it is a Red-winged 
Blackbird, and turning to the extended description of Agelaius phoe- 
niceus verify our identification. 



36 USE OF THE KEYS. 

Now let us take a somewhat less simple case — a male English Spar- 
row. This bird, you will doubtless remember, has a black patch on 
the throat and breast, a slate-colored crown, chestnut marks on the 
sides of the head, and a streaked back. Turning to the key to the 
family Fringillidm, or Finches, Sparrows, etc., we read first the head- 
ings to the main divisions which, in the larger families, are placed at 
the beginning of the key in order that they may be more readily com- 
pared. 

" I. Under parts with red. 

" II. Under parts with no red, and without distinct streaks ; throat 
or breast sometimes with a patch or spot. 

" III. Under parts without red, and with numerous streaks." 

Our bird undoubtedly belongs in Section II. Under this section 
we read first: " 1. Tail with white spots, bars, or patches." Our bird 
has no white in the tail, so we go to ' ; 2 " and read : " Without large 
white spots or patches in the tail." There is no number 3, so we have 
no hesitation in placing our bird in Section " 2." The first subsection 
here is "A. Back without distinct streaks." Our bird is unquestion- 
ably streaked, and we therefore go to " B. Back distinctly streaked." 
There is no Section C, and it follows that our bird belongs in " B." 
Under B we have " a. Bend of the wing yellow " and " b. Bend of 
the wing not yellow." Our bird has no yellow on the wing, and we 
therefore place it in subsection b. This subsection is subdivided 
into i% b l . Crown bright reddish brown," etc., "c 1 . Crown streaked or 
spotted," etc., and "d l . Crown mixed grayish brown and rufous, ashy, 
or slate-color, without black streaks." Evidently our bird belongs in 
the group headed d 1 , which we find includes four species, e/ 2 , d*, d\ 
and d 5 . After reading the characters assigned to each of these, we 
have no hesitation in deciding that those under d 4 apply to our bird, 
and we prove our identification by turning to the description of Passer 
domestieus. 

I have purposely taken a comparatively complicated case. If I 
have made it clear, you will have no further difficulty in using the 
keys, so far as their construction goes. It might be supposed, from 
this somewhat lengthy description, that the process required much 
time ; but as you become familiar with the use of the keys it should 
never take you more than five minutes to identify a bird with them. 

Descriptions of Plumage. — The descriptions, with quoted excep- 
tions, are from specimens in the American Museum of Natural His- 
tory, and my thanks are due the authorities of that institution for 
permission to use its valuable collections. I have tried to make them 
as concise and simple and, at the same time, as detailed as seemed 
necessary for the purpose of identification. 



MEASUREMENTS— RANGE. 



37 



Measurements. — All the measurements given are in 
English inches and hundredths. Those of birds are 
average measurements, taken for the most part from 
specimens in the American Museum of Natural His- 
tory. I have also, with the authors permission, made 
use of the excellent series of measurements in Dr. E. A. 
Mearns's Birds of the Hudson Highlands. A variation 
of about ten per cent from the figures given may be 
expected. 

The total length (= L.) of a bird is found by gently 
stretching the specimen, laying it on its back, and 
measuring the distance from the end of its bill to the 
tip of its longest tail-feather. The length of the wing 
(= W.) is the distance from the " bend of the wing " to 
the end of the longest primary. The length of the tail 
(= T.) is the distance from the base, or insertion of the 
middle feather, to the end of the longest feather. The 
length of the tarsus (= Tar.) is the distance from the 
base, or insertion of the toes, to the end of the tibia, or 
what in reality is the heel. The " tarsus " is therefore 
the true foot of the bird, while the part to which this 
name is generally applied consists only of the toes. 
The length of the bill (=r B.), or "culmen," is the dis- 
tance from the anterior base of the feathers on the 
forehead to the tip of the upper mandible. With the 
exception of total length these measurements are gen- 
erally taken with a pair of dividers. 

Range. — The paragraphs under this heading have 
been prepared with special reference to the bird's dis- 
tribution in eastern North America. They are sup- 
plemented by a concise statement of the bird's manner 
of occurrence and the usual times of migration of the 
nonresident species at three or four localities. This 
information is the best it is possible to obtain, and has 
not been previously published. Each locality is treated 
by a recognized authority on its bird-life from notes 
based on observations extending over many years. 

The data from Washington, D. C, were supplied by 
Mr. C. W. Richmond, of the Smithsonian Institution. 
Not only has Mr. Richmond given years to field work 
in the District of Columbia, but he has had access to 
the notes of the numerous ornithologists who have 
observed in the same region. 



U 



o 



iO 



tH 



CO 



a 



2 



CM 



38 LOCAL BIRD-LISTS. 

The water-birds of Long Island are treated by Mr. William Dutcher, 
of New York city, who has for years made our coast birds a subject of 
especial investigation. Sportsmen, lighthouse-keepers, and ornitholo- 
gists have all aided him in acquiring an unrivaled series of observa- 
tions upon the movements of waterfowl and bay birds. 

Dr. A. K. Fisher, of the Division of Ornithology in the U. S. De- 
partment of Agriculture, has supplied the notes from Sing Sing, N. Y. 
This locality formed the field of his ornithological labors for fifteen 
years. Within the limits of the town of Ossining Dr. Fisher has ob- 
served no less than two hundred and thirty-six species of birds. Prob- 
ably no area of similar extent in the United States has been more 
carefully studied or yielded better results. 

Cambridge, Mass., is historic ground in the annals of ornithology. 
From the time of Nuttall it has never lacked for earnest students of 
its bird-life. Nevertheless, no list of Cambridge birds has ever ap- 
peared. It is with unusual pleasure, therefore, that I include annota- 
tions on the birds of this region by Mr. William Brewster, who has 
made a lifelong study of New England birds, and particularly of 
those found in the vicinity of his home at Cambridge.* 

The value of their contributions renders it evident that I am under 
deep obligations to these gentlemen, and I thank them most sincerely 
for their generous assistance. 

Nests and Eggs.— The brief descriptions of nests and eggs are tmsed 
on the collections of the American Museum of Natural History, sup- 
plemented by the use of Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway's History of 
North American Birds, Davie's Nests and Eggs of North American 
Birds, Ridgway's Manual, and Captain Bendire's Life Histories of 
North American Birds. In describing the eggs the color chart was 
used when possible ; but it was designed with particular reference to 
the plumages of our birds, and is of less assistance in describing their 
eggs. The measurements of eggs are mostly from series of measure- 
ments made by Mr. H. B. Bailey, accompanying the Bailey collection in 
the American Museum, supplemented by reference to the works men- 
tioned above. 

Biographies.— After devoting separate paragraphs to the bird's 
general range, its manner of occurrence, comparative numbers, times 
of migration at several specific points, and its nest and eggs, the space 
remaining is given to a brief sketch of its haunts, notes, and disposi- 
tion, with the particular object of aiding in its identification in the 
field. 



* Strictly maritime birds whose occurrence within five miles of Cambridge is 
casual or accidental are, as a rule, excluded. 




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2 

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UJ 

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Q: 

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BIOGRAPHIES-ILLUSTRATIONS. 39 

In preparing these biographical sketches I have aimed to secure 
the best material possible, using my own notes only when I felt they 
were based on adequate observations. Not only have 1 carefully ex- 
amined the literature relating to the habits of our birds, selecting 
what seemed to be the most trustworthy accounts of their appearance 
in life, but through the generous co-operation of fellow-students of 
living birds I am able to present character sketches of some of our 
birds, written by observers who are everywhere known for their sym- 
pathy with birds out-of-doors. Thus I have to thank Mrs. Miller, 
Miss Merriam, Mr. Bicknell, Mr. Brewster, Dr. Dwight, Mr. Thomp- 
son, and Mr. Torrey for pen pictures of birds with which they are 
especially familiar, each sketch being signed by its author. 

Illustrations. — The colored frontispiece is by Mr. Ernest E. Thomp- 
son, whom I have to thank for assistance in preparing the color chart 
and Key to Families. The scheme of this key, which is founded on 
natural arrangement and on drawings of anatomical details, is original 
with him, and that here presented is a slight modification of the one 
he completed and contributed at a time when he was expected to be a 
joint author of this work. The numerous pen-and-ink drawings, which 
add so largely to the value of the work, were made by Mr. Tappan 
Adney from specimens in the American Museum of Natural History. 
Some of the full-page half-tone plates are from photographs of groups 
in the American Museum of Natural History ; the larger number, how- 
ever, were especially designed for this work, with the assistance of Mr. 
J. Rowley, Jr. 

The Color Chart. — It must not be supposed for a moment that the 
colors on the Plate II. represent the colors of all the birds of eastern 
North America. It does not do so any more than an artist's palette 
shows all the colors of his picture — in fact, I have called this plate 
my mental palette, and have frequently used two and even three terms 
to describe a given shade or tint. 

It should be clearly understood, therefore, that when grayish brown, 
for example, is mentioned, it does not follow that the feathers to which 
the term is applied are of exactly the same color as the plate, but that 
they are nearer to this color than to any other in the plate. Used even 
in this general way, the plate will prove a far more definite basis for 
description than if every one were left to form his own idea of the 
colors named. 



LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS. 

Ad. Adult ; a fully matured bird. 
A. V. Accidental visitant (see page 12). 
B. Bill. 
B. from N. Bill from nostril. 

$ The sign employed to designate female sex (see page 27). 
Im. Immature; the term is generally applied to birds less 
than a year old, or to those which have not acquired 
the plumage of the adult. 
L. Total length. 

$ The sign employed to designate male sex (see page 27). 
P. It. Permanent resident (see page 12). 
S. R. Summer resident (see page 12). 

T. Tail. 
Tar. Tarsus. 
T. V. Transient visitant (see page 12). 

W. Wing. 
W. V. Winter visitant (see page 12). 

40 



THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA EAST OF THE 
NINETIETH MERIDIAN. 

KEY TO ORDERS AND FAMILIES. 
THE WATER BIRDS. 




Fig. 5. 

Order I. Pygopodes.— Grebes, Loons, and Auks. 

Ducklike birds with generally sharply pointed bills ; feet webbed, placed 
far back near the tail ; tarsus much flattened ; hind toe, when present, 
with a lobe or flap ; bill without toothlike projections ; tail very short 
and sometimes apparently wanting. 

A. Toes four, tipped with a broad nail. 

a. Toes with lobate webs. . . . Family Podicipidce : 
Grebes (Fig. 5, a), p. 56. 

b. Toes webbed. . . . Family Crinatoridw. Loons (Fig. 
5, 6), p. 58. 

B. Toes three, tipped with a sharp nail. . . . Family 

Alcidce: Auks, Murres, and Puffins (Fig. 5, c), p. 60. 




Order II. Longipennes. — Jaegers, 
Gulls, and Terns. 
Birds with sharply pointed and frequently 
hooked or hawklike bills ; toes four (ex- 
cept in one genus — Mssa), the front ones 
webbed ; wings long and pointed. 

41 




Fig 6. 



42 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



A. Tip of the upper mandible more or less swollen, rounded, and 
sharply pointed; upper parts, Including wings, and sometimes the 
entire plumage, dark sooty blaekish, sometimes irregularly barred ; 
tail always dark, the middle feathers longest. . . . Family jSttroo- 
rariida : Skuas and Jaegers (Fig. 6, a), p. 65. 

B. Upper mandible curved but not swollen at the end; tail generally 
white, sometimes tipped with black ; the tail-feathers usually of about 
equal length. . . . Subfamily Larince-. Gulls (Fig. 6, b), p. 67. 




Fig. 8. 



C. Bill straight, not hooked and sharply pointed ; outer tail-feathers 
generally longer than the middle ones. Subfamily JSternince : Terns 
(Fig. 7), p. 76. 

1). Bill thin and bladelike, the lower mandible much longer than the 
upper one. . . . Family Bynchopidw. Skimmers (Fig. 8), p. 85, 





Fig. 9. 

Order HI. Tubinares. — Albatrosses, Petrels, and Fulmars. 

Bill hawklike, the tip of the upper mandible generally much enlarged; 
nostrils opening through tubes ; hind toe reduced to a mere nail, and 
sometimes entirely wanting. 

A. Size very large, nostrils separated and on either side of the bill. . . . 
Family Diomedeid&\ Albatrosses (Fig. 9, a), p. 86. 

B. Size smaller, nostrils joined and placed on top of the bill. . . . 
Family Procellariidtt : Petrels, Fulmars, and Shearwaters (Fig. 

9, b), p. 86. 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



43 




Fig. 11. 



Fig. 14. 




Fig. 10. 



Fig. 15. 



Order IV, Steganopodes.— Gannets, Cormorants, Pelicans (Fig. 
10), etc. 
All the toes, including the hind one, connected by webs. 

A. Bill generally sharply pointed, without a hawklike hook at its tip. 

a. Chin, or space between the forks of the lower mandible, feath- 
ered. . . . Family jPhaethontidce : Tropic Birds (Fig. 11), p. 91. 

b. Chin bare. 

b 1 . Bill stout and slightly curved at the tip; middle tail-feathers 
without "nutings". ... Family Sulidca-. Gannets (Fig. 12), 
p. 92. . 

b*. Bill straight and slender; middle tail-feathers fluted. . . . 
Family Anhingidce, : Darters (Fig. 13), p. 93. 

B. Bill with a hawklike hook at the tip. 

a. Lores bare. 

a 1 . Bill over 12*00, with a large pouch. 

Pelicans, p. 95. 
a 2 . Bill under 12*00, no large pouch. . 

cidce : Cormorants (Fig. 14), p. 94. 

b. Lores feathered. . ., . Family Fregatidw : Man-o'-war Birds (Fig. 
15), p. 97. 



. Family Pelecanidce : 
Family Phalacrocora- 



44 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



Order V. Anseres. — Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 

Toes four, the front ones fully webbed ; tarsus not strikingly fattened as 
in the Grebes; tail always well developed; bill with toothlike projec- 
tions, fluted ridges, or gutters along its sides. 

1. Bill very long, narrow, and rounded, with numerous toothlike pro- 
jections along its sides. . . . Subfamily Merginca ; Mergansers (Fig. 
16), p. 98. 



_2 

3 






Fig. 16. 

2. Bill more or less flattened and ducklike. 
A. Lores feathered. 
a. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe, without nail; scales on its 
front transverse, more or less square. 
a 1 . Hind toe without a flap or lobe. . . . Subfamily Anatince: 

Kiver Ducks (Fig. 17, a), p. 100. 
a*. Hind toe with a flap or lobe. . . . Subfamily Fuligulince ; 
Sea and Bay Ducks (Fig. 17, 5), p. 107. 




Fig. 17. 



b. Tarsus generally longer than the middle toe, without nail ; scales 
on its front rounded. . . . Subfamily Anserine*, : Geese, p. 119. 
B. Lores bare. . . . Subfamily Cygnince: Swans, p. 124. 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



45 



Order VI. Odontoglossae 

Large red or reddish 

birds; bill with toothlike 
ridges as in some Ducks, 
the end half bent down- 
ward ; tarsus 12-00 or more 
in length. . . . Family 
Phwnicopteridce : Fla- 
mingoes, p. 125. 



-Flamingoes. 




Fio. 18. 



Order VII. Herodiones. Herons, Storks, Irises, ete. 

Toes four, all on the same level, slightly or not at all webbed ; lores bare; 
legs and neek generally much lengthened. 



5*97^ 




Fig. 20. 




Fig. 21. 

A. Bill straight and sharply pointed ; inner border of the middle toe- 
nail with a eomblike edge. . . . Family Ardeidw. Herons, Egrets, 
and Bitterns (Fig. 19;, p. 128. 

B. Bill rounded, more or less curved 
die toe-nail. 

a. Size large, tardus over 5*00. . . 
Wood Ibises, j>. 127. 

b. Size smaller, tarsus under 5*00. 
20;, p. r86. 

C. Bill flattened and much broadened at the end. 
leida : Spoonbills (Fig. 21;, p. 125. 



downward : no comb on the mid- 
Family OiconHda: Storks and 
. . Family IHdidot: Irises (Fig. 
Family Plata- 



46 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 




Fig. 22. 



Order VIII. Paludicolae.— Cranes, Rails, etc. 

Toes four; middle toe without a comb, generally not webbed; hind toe 
generally small, higher than the front ones, or, if on the same level (Gal- 
linules and Coots only), the bill is then comparatively short and stout 
and the forehead has a bare shield; lores feathered, or (Cranes) with 
haiiiike bristles. 




Fig. 24. 



A. Smaller, bill under 3*00. . . . Family RaUidm : Rails, Gallinules, 
and Coots (Fig. 22), p. 139. 

B. Larger, bill over 3-00. 

a. Tarsus over 6-00. . . . Family Gruida>: Cranes (Fig. 23), p. 137. 

b. Tarsus under 6*00. . . . Family Ar amides: Courlans (Fig. 24), 
p. 138. 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 
a 



47 




Fig. 25. 



Order IX. Limicolae. — Phalaropes, Snipes, Plovers, etc. 

Toes four, or (Plovers) three; the hind toe, when present, less than half 
the length of the inner one, and always elevated above the others ; legs 
generally long and slender, the lower half of the tibiae bare; bill, except 
in the Plovers, generally long, slender, and soft, the nostrils opening 
through slits or grooves ; wings long and pointed, the lirst primary gen- 
erally the longest. 




I. Tarsus over 3*50. . . . Family RecurvirostridcB : Stilts and Avocets, 
p. 149. 

II. Tarsus under 3*50. 

A. Sides of the toes with lobes or w T ebs. . . . Family PJialaropodidce : 
Phalaropes (Fig. 26, a), p. 147. 

B. Sides of the toes without lobed webs. 

a. Toes four (except in the Sanderling) ; front of the tarsus with 
transverse, more or less square, scales. . . . Family Scolopacidcu : 
Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. (Fig. 25, a, b; Fig. 26, £>, c), p. 150. 

b. Whole lower back white, a black band across the rump. . . . 
Family Aphrizidce : Turnstones, etc., p. 176. 

c. Toes three (except in the Black-bellied Plover) ; front of the 
tarsus with small, rounded scales. 

c l . Bill under 2-00. . . . Family Charadriidce : Plovers (Fig. 25, 

c, d\ Fig. 26, d, e\ p. 171. 
c 2 . Bill over '.V00. . . . Family Ifcematopodidce : Oyster-catchers, 

p. 177. 



48 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



/ THE LAND BIRDS. 

Order X. Gallinse. — Turkeys, Grouse, Bob-whites, etc. 

Toes four, the hind one small and elevated 
above the front ones ; bill generally short, stout, 
hard, and horny ; wings rather short, the outer 
primaries curved and much stiffened. 

A. Size very large. . . . Subfamily 
rincE : Turkeys, p. 186. 

B. Size smaller. . . . Family Tetraonidce,-. 
Grouse, Bob-whites, etc. (Fig. 27), p. 178. yiq. 2?. 




Order XI. Columbae.— Pigeons and Doves. 

Toes four, all on the same level, the hind one 
about as long as the shortest front one; bill 
rather slender, deeply grooved, the nostrils open- 
ing in a soft, fleshy membrane or skin. . . . 
Family Columbidce : Pigeons and Doves (Fig. 
28), p. 187. 




Fig. 28. 




Order XII. Raptores. — Vultures, Hawks, and Owls. 

Toes four, three in front, the hind one, except in the Vultures, generally 
as long as or longer than the shortest front one ; all the toes armed with 
strong, sharp, curved nails or talons ; bill with a cere, or covering of 
skin, at its base, through which the nostrils open, very stout and strong, 
the tip of the upper mandible with a sharply pointed hook. 





Fig. 30. 

A. Eyes set in a striking facial disk ; tarsus generally feathered ; plum 
age soft and Huffy. 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



49 



a. Middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. . . . Family Strigidce : Barn 
Owls (Fig. SO), p. 213. 

b. Middle toe-nail without a comblike edge. . . . Family Bubonidcci 
Horned Owls, Hoot Owls (Fig. 29, a), p. 213. 





Fig. 33. 



B. Eyes not set in a striking facial disk ; tarsus mostly bare, plumage 
firm and close. 

a. Plumage, in our species, black ; hind toe small, claws blunt ; bill 
not sharply hooked ; head generally bare. . . . Family Cathartidw : 
American Vultures (Fig. 32), p. 191. 

b. Hind toe generally as long as or longer than the shortest front one ; 
toes armed with sharp, curved nails or talons; bill with a sharp 
hook, head not bare. . . . Family Falconidce: Falcons, Kites, 
Hawks, Eagles (Figs. 29, b, 33), etc., p. 193. 



Order XIII. Psittaci. — 

Parrots, Paroquets, etc. 
Toes four, two in front and 
two behind ; bill with a cere. 
. . . Family Psittacidm : Par- 
rots and Paroquets (Fig. 34), 
p. 222. 




Fig. 34. 




Order XIV. Coccyges.— Cuckoos and 
Kingfishers. 
Toes four, the middle and outer ones 
joined for half their length (Kingfishers), 
or two in front and two behind (Cuckoos) ; 
bill without a cere; tail-feathers not stiff 
and pointed. 
5 




Fig. 36. 



50 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



A. Middle and outer toes joined for half their length. . . . Family Al- 
cedimdce: Kingfishers (Fig. 35), p. 226. 

B. Two toes in front and two behind. . . . Family Cuculidw: Cuckoos 

(Fig. 36), p. 224. 




Fig, 37. 

Order XV. Pici.— Woodpeckers. 

Toes four, two in front and two behind, or toes three, tw r o in front and 
one behind ; bill strong ; tail-feathers stiff and pointed ; nostrils more or 
less concealed oy bristles. . . . Family Picidce: Woodpeckers (Fig. 37). 
p. 227. 




Fig. 38.. 



Fig. 40. 



Order XVI. Macrochires. Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbirds. 
Feet very small and weak ; bill short and small and mouth large, or bill 
long and exceedingly slender and mouth small ; wings generally long and 
pointed. 

A. Size comparatively large; plumage variegated, black and brown; 
middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. . . . Family Caprimulgidce : 
Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, etc. (Fig. 38), p. 236. 

B. Size medium ; plumage sooty black ; no comb on the middle toe- 
nail ; tips of the tail-feathers with spines. . . . Family Micropodidce : 
Swifts (Fig. 39), p. 239. 

C. Size very small ; upper parts shining green; bill long and slender, 
. . . Family TrocMUdm\ Htmmingbirds (Fig.40), p. 240. 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



51 




^^^^^^^ 



Order XVII. Passeres.— Perching Birds : Flycatch- 
ers, Blackbirds, Jays, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, 
Swallows, Vireos, Warblers, Wrens, Thrushes, etc. 
Toes four, without webs, all on the same level ; hind toe 
as large as the middle one, its nail generally longer than 
that of the middle one; tail of twelve feathers. 
[The following synoptical 
table of the characters 
of the eighteen families 
which we have in this 
order seems more satis- 
factory than an artificial 

k0 >"- ] r~ Fig. 41. 

Family 1. Tyrannidce. — Flycatchers (Fig. 42). 

Bill wider than high at the base, 
slightly hooked at the tip ; base 
with conspicuous bristles; wings 
longer than the tail, the second to 
fourth primaries longest, the first 
but little shorter and generally 
equal to the fifth or sixth ; back of 
tarsus rounded, like the front ; 
plumage generally olive-green or 
grayish ; tail, except in the King- 
bird, without white spots, p. 242. 
Family 2. Alaudidce. — Larks (Fig. 43). 
Bill rather stout and rounded ; nos- 
trils with bristly tufts ; nail of hind 
toe much lengthened, as long as 
the middle toe without nail ; back 
of the tarsus rounded like the front, 
p. 252. 






Fig. 44. 



Family 3. Corvidce.— Crows and Jays (Fig. 44). 

Large birds, over 10*00 in length ; bill stout, the nostrils concealed by tufts 
of bristly feathers ; fourth to fifth primary the longest, the first about half 
as long ; outer tail-feathers shortest ; feet and legs stout, p. 253. 



52 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 




Fig. 45. 



Family 4. Sturnidcv. — Star- 
lings (Fig. 45). 
Bill flattened, wider than 
high at the base ; tail short 
and square ; wings long 
and pointed, second pri- 
mary longest, the first very 
small, less than half an 
inch in length, p. 250. 




Family 5. Icteridoe— Blackbirds, Orioj-es, etc. (Fig. 46). 
Length 7*00-1 7*00 ; base of the bill, between the nostrils, extending back- 
ward and dividing the feathers of the forehead ; nostrils not concealed by 
bristles ; first three primaries of about equal length ; outer tail-feathers 
generally shortest, p. 260. 




Family 6. Fringillidw. — Spar- 
rows, Finches, Gros- 
beaks, etc. (Fig. 47). 
Length 4-75-9*00, generally 
under 8*00 ; bill short, stout, 
and conical, admirably fit- 
ted to crush seeds ; third 
and fourth primaries gen- 
erally about the same length, 
the first never more than 
half an inch shorter than 
the longest, p. 271. 



Family 7. Tanagridce. — Tanagers (Fig. 48). 
Length about 7'00 ; the males of our species mostly red ; 
bill finchlike, but less conical, somewhat swollen, the 
outline of the upper mandible curved, its sides with a 
slight but generally evident " tooth " near the middle; 
tail-feathers of equal length, p. 316. 




KEY TO FAMILIES. 



53 



Family 8. HirundinidcB. — Swallows (Fig. 
Bill short and flattened, much wider 
than high at the base ; no bristles at 
the base of the bill ; wings long and 
pointed, tips, when closed, generally 
reaching beyond the end of the tail ; 
first primary the longest ; outer tail- 
feathers longest; feet small, tarsus 
short, round in front, narrower and 
sharper in the back, p. 318. 



49). 



-r 




Fig. 49. 




Family 9. Ampelldm. — Waxwings 
(Fig. 50). 
Plumage generally soft, brownish 
gray or grayish brown ; a black 
band across the forehead and 
through the eyes ; tail tipped 
with yellow; bill short, notched 
at the tip ; head conspicuously 
crested, p. 323. 



Fig. 50. 



Family 10. Laniidce. — Shrikes (Fig. 51). 

Grayish birds, 8-00-9-00 in length, most of the 
tail-feathers tipped with white; bill hooked and 
hawklike, p. 325. 



Family 11. Vireonidce. — Vireos (Fig. 52). 
Small birds, 5-00- 
7*00 in length, with 
generally olive- 
green backs ; tail- 
feathers without 
white spots ; bill 
rather stout, higher 
than broad at the 
base, the tip of the upp?r mandible 
notched and hooked, bristles at the 
base of the bill barely evident ; tarsi 
scaled, round in front, narrower and 
sharper behind; toes united at the 
base, p. 327. 

Family 12. Mniotiltidm.— Wood War- 
blers (Fig. 53). 
Small birds, length generally under 
6*00, but in four species 6-50-7*50, 
with, as a rule, brightly colored 





54 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 




plumage, olive-green or yellow being the most frequent ; bill various, never 
notched at the tip, usually slender and sharply pointed, without conspicuous 
bristles, but sometimes flattened and broader than high at the base, when 
the bristles are evident (thus resembling the bill of a true Flycatcher, but 
the back of the tarsus is always thin and narrow, and never rounded as in 
front) ; rarely the bill is heavier, more thrushlike or iinchlike ; second or 
third primary longest, the first little if any shorter ; tail generally square, 
sometimes rounded, the outer feathers frequently blotched with white, 
p. 333. 

Family 13. Motacillidce. — Wagtails 
and Pipits (Fig. 54). 
No bristles over the nostrils; bill 
slender, much as in the preceding ; 
hind toe-nail much lengthened, as 
long as or longer than the toe ; first 
three primaries of equal length, 
p. 375. 

Family 14. Troglodytidce. — Thrash- 
ers, Wrens, etc. (Fig. 55). 
Subfamily Mimince. — Thrashers, 
Mockingbirds, and Catbirds. 

Length 8-00-12-00; tarsus scaled; 

tail rounded, the outer feathers at 

least half an inch shorter than the 

middle ones, third to fifth primary 

longest, the first about half as long, 

p. 376. 
S u bfamily Troglodytince. — Wrens. 

Length 4-00-6*00; bill moderate, 

the upper mandible slightly curved, 

no bristles at its base; third to 

fourth primary longest, first about 

half as long ; tail short and round- 
ed ; brown or brownish birds with 

indistinctly barred wings and tail, 

p. 376. Fig. 55. 





Family 15. Certhiidce. — Creepers (Fig. 
56). 
Bill slender and much curved ; tail- 
feathers pointed and slightly stiiiened, 
p. 385.' 



Fig. 56. 






KEY TO FAMILIES. 



55 



Family 16. Paridce. — Nlthatches and Titmice (Fig. 57). 
Subfamily Sitting. — Nuthatches. 
Bill rather long and slender, the end of the lower mandible 
slightly upward; wings long and 
pointed, the third or fourth primary 
the longest, the first very small, not 
an inch in length ; tail sho.rt und 
square, the outer feathers blotched 
with white, p. 386. 
Subfamily Parinm. — Titmice. 
Length 4-50-6-50 ; bill short, stout, and 
rounded, less than half an inch in 
length ; fourth or fifth primary longest, 
first very short, not more than one 
third as long; tail rather long, dull 
ashy gray without white blotches, 
p. 389. 



slanting 




Fig. 57. 




Family 17. Sylviirtce. — Kinglets and 
Gnatcatchers (Fig. 58). 
Length 3-50-5-00; bill slender, re- 
sembling that of some Warblers, but 
the first primary is very short, only 
about one third as long as the longest, 
p. 391. 



Family 18. Turdidce. — 

Thrushes, Bluebirds, 
etc. (Fig. 59). 
Length over 5-50 ; bill mod- 
erate, the tip of the upper 
mandible notched ; tarsus 
smooth, the scales, if any, 
fused and indistinct; tail 
square : wings long and 
pointed, 3-75 or over, third 
primary the longest, the 
first very short, less than 
one inch in length, p. 394. 




Fig. 



56 GREBES. 

ORDER PYGOPODES. DIVING BIRDS. 

Family Podicipidje. Grebes. 

The Grebes, or lobe-footed divers, number about thirty species, 
distributed throughout the world. Six species are found in North 
America. Grebes are eminently aquatic birds, and rarely if ever ven- 
ture upon land, where they are almost helpless. The marvelous rapid- 
ity with which Grebes dive, and the ease with which this power for- 
merly enabled them to escape the shot of the fowler, have won for them 
their various popular names of " Hell-diver," " Water-witch," etc. The 
cartridges of the modern breech-loader do not give the warning of the 
discarded flint-lock or percussion cap, and " to dive at the flash " is 
an expression which now has lost half its meaning. Grebes possess the 
power of swimming with only the tip of the bill above water, a habit 
which accounts for many mysterious disappearances. They feed largely 
on fish, which they pursue and catch under water, progressing by aid 
of the feet alone. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Depth of bill at nostril over *35. 

a. Wing over 6'00 2. Holb(ell-s Grebe. 

b. Wing under 6*00 6. Pied-billed Grebe. 

B. Depth of bill at nostril less than *35 3. Horned Grebe. 

2. Colymbus holbcellii ( Reinh.). Holbcell's Grebe. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Top of the head, small crest, and back of the neck, glossy black ; back 
blackish ; throat and sides of the head silvery white ; front and sides of the 
neck rufous, changing gradually over the breast into the silvery white belly ; 
sides tinged with rufous. Ad. in winter. — Upper parts blackish brown: 
throat and under parts whitish ; front and sides of the neck pale rufous. Im. 
— Upper parts blackish ; throat and under parts silvery white ; neck and 
sides grayish. L., 19-00; W., 7"50; Tar., 2-20; B., 1-90. 

Eange.— Breeds in the interior of North America, from northern Minne- 
sota northward ; in winter migrates southward as far as South Carolina and 
Nebraska. 

Washington, uncommon W. V., Sept. 30 to Mch. or Apl. Long Island 
irregular W. V., Oct. to Apl, Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. to Dec. Cam- 
bridge, casual. 

Nest, amass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation floating among rushes 
in a slough, generally attached to its surroundings. Eijgs, two to five, dull 
white, more or less soiled, 2*25 x 1*35. 

'•In common with others of the family, this Grebe is an expert 
diver. Often it will sink into the water without any apparent effort, 
though more generally it jumps forward, throwing the head into the 




Pied-billed Grebe and young. 



GREBES. 57 

water and the body into the air. It is an expert and rapid swimmer 
also, and all its movements on the water are exceedingly graceful. 
When pursued, these birds invariably endeavor to escape by diving, 
though when on the wing they fly rapidly, their necks and feet 
stretched at full length " (Chamberlain). 

3. Colymbus auritus Linn. Horned Grebe. Ad. in summer. — 
Top of the head, hind neck, and throat, glossy blackish ; lores pale chestnut; 
stripe, and plumes behind the eye, bulfy ochraceous, deeper posteriorly ; back 
and wings blackish ; secondaries white ; foreneck, upper breast, and sides 
chestnut ; lower breast and belly white. Ad. in winter and Im. — Upper parts 
grayish black ; under parts silvery white, sometimes washed with grayish on 
the throat and breast. L., 13*50 ; W., 5-40 ; Tar., 1*75 ; B., 90. 

Range. — Breeds from northern United States (northern Illinois, St. Clair 
Flats) northward ; winters southward to the Gulf States. 

Washington, common W. y., fall to Apl. 25. Long Island, abundant 
T. V., rare W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Oct. to Dec. ; Mch. 
Cambridge, casual. 

Nest, a mass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation, floating among rushes 
in a slough, generally attached to its surroundings. Eggs, two to seven, dull 
white, more or less soiled, 1-74 x 1-15. 

This species and the next are probably frequently mistaken for 
each other in life, and the same common names are in some instances 
applicable to both. Mr. Ernest E. Thompson writes of a captive in- 
dividual : " When ordinarily swimming, the feet strike out alternately, 
and the progression is steady ; but sometimes both feet struck together, 
and then the movement was by great bounds, and was evidently cal- 
culated to force the bird over an expanse of very weedy water, or 
through any tangle of weeds or rushes in which it might have found 
itself. When lifted out of the water, the feet worked so fast as to be 
lost to the eye in a mere haze of many shadowy feet with one attach- 
ment. When placed on the ground, it was perfectly helpless " (Birds 
of Manitoba, p. 466). 

6. Podilymbus podiceps {Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe ; Dabchick; 
Diedapper; Hell-diver; Water-witch. (See Fig. 5, a.) Ad. in summer. — 
Upper parts glossy, brownish black; throat black; upper breast, front and 
sides of the neck, and sides of the body, washed with brownish and indis- 
tinctly mottled with blackish ; lower breast and belly white ; a black band 
across the bill. Ad. in winter and Lm. — Much like the above, but throat 
white and no black band on the bill. L. 13-50: W., 5-10 ; Tar., 1*45 ; B., 85. 

Range. — Argentine Eepublic northward through Mexico and the West In- 
dies to Hudson Bay and Great Slave Lake, breeding locally throughout its 
range ; winters from New Jersey southward. 

Washington, common W. V., Aug. 25 to Apl. or May. Long Island, un- 
common T. V., Sept. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 6 to Apl. 20 ; 



58 LOONS. 

Sept. 3 to Oct. 28 ; a few summer. , Cambridge, T. V. in Apl. ; very common 
Sept. to Nov. ; breeds in one locality. 

Nest, a mass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation, sometimes built up 
from the bottom in shallow water, sometimes floating among rushes in a slough, 
when it is generally attached to its surroundings. Eggs, four to eight, dull 
white, more or less soiled or stained, 1*74 x 1*19. 

This is probably the best known of our Grebes, and is the one which 
most frequently tempts the shot of would-be sportsmen. Its common 
names may stand as an expression of its aquatic powers. It dives 
head foremost, or sinks slowly beneath the water. Like other Grebes, 
it can swim easily and for an indefinite period with only its bill above 
the water, and its sometimes mysterious and apparently complete dis- 
appearance is explained by this habit. 

Family Urinatorltle. Loons. 

A family containing only five species, inhabiting the northern half 
of the northern hemisphere. The Loons are scarcely less aquatic than 
the Grebes, and are their equals as divers and swimmers. They visit 
the land only to nest, when their clumsy progress is assisted by the 
use of bill and wings. Their food consists of fish, which they procure 
by diving, progressing when under water by aid of the feet alone. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Throat black. 

a. Head black 7. Loon. 

0. Head ashy 9. Black-throated Loon. 

B. Throat gray, foreneck chestnut 11. Red-throated Loon. 

C. Throat white or whitish; back fuscous, margined with grayish. 

a. Wing over 13-00 ; base of bill to anterior end of nostril *75 or over. 

7. Loon (Ira.). 

b. Wing under 13-00; base of bill to anterior end of nostril less than -75. 

9. Black-throated Loon (Im.). 

D. Throat white or whitish; back fuscous, spotted with white. 

11. Red-throated Loon (Im.). 

7. Urinator imfoer (Gunn.). Loon. (See Fig. 5, b.) Ad. in summer. 
— Upper parts, wings, tail, and neck black with bluish or greenish reflections ; 
spaces on the throat and sides of the neck streaked with white ; back and 
wings spotted and barred with white ; breast and belly white ; sides and a 
band at the base of the under tail-coverts black spotted with white. Ad. in 
winter and Im. — Upper parts, wings, and tail blackish margined with grayish 
not spotted with white ; under parts white ; throat sometimes washed with 
grayish. L.. 32-00 ; W., 14.00 ; Tar., 3-40 ; B., 2-80. 

Range.— Breeds from northern Illinois, Minnesota, and northern New Eng- 
land to the Arctic Circle; winters from the southern limit of its breeding 
range to the Gulf of Mexico. 



LOOXS. 59 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. 25. Long Island, abundant T. 
V., common W. V., Sept. to June. Sing Sing, common T. V., filch, and Oct. 
Cambridge, not common T. V., Apl. to early May ; Sept. to Nov. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a lew feet of the water. 
Eggs, two, grayish olive- brown, thinly spotted with blackish, 3'50 x 2*20. 

This wild inhabitant of our northern lakes and ponds possesses all 
the characteristic traits of the Divers. Its remarkable notes are thus 
described by Mr. J. H. Langille : 

u Beginning on the fifth note of the scale, the voice slides through 
the eighth to the third of the scale above in loud, clear, sonorous tones, 
which on a dismal evening before a thunderstorm, the lightning already 
playing along the inky sky, are anything but musical. He has also 
another rather soft and pleasing utterance, sounding like who-who- 
xcho-icho, the syllables being so rapidly pronounced as to sound almost 
like a shake of the voice — a sort of weird laughter." 

Loons may be seen migrating by day singly or in small companies, 
generally at a considerable height. Their flight is strong, rapid, and 
direct. 

9. Urinator arcticus {Linn.). Black-throated Loon. Ad. in 
summer. — Throat, foreneck, back, wings, and tail black, with purplish and 
bluish reflections ; a band of white streaks on the throat; sides of the neck, 
back, and wings streaked, barred, or spotted with white ; top of head and 
nape gray ; breast and belly white ; a blackish band at the base of the under 
tail-coverts. Ad. in ic inter and Im. — Similar in color to IT. imber, not spotted 
above with white. L., 2f00 ; W., 11-00 ; Tar., 2-60 ; B., 2-00. 

Remarks. — Immature and winter birds may be distinguished from the cor- 
responding stage of imber by their small size; from lumrne by grayish mar- 
gins instead of white spots, bars, or margins on the upper parts. 

Range. — Breeds in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in 
North America migrates southward in winter to the northern United States, 
casually to Ohio and Long Island. 

Long Island, A. V,, one record. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a few feet of the water. 
Eggs, two, grayish olive-brown, spotted or scrawled with blackish, 3*20 x 2-10. 

This species is a very rare winter visitant to the northern border 
of the United States. The most southern record of its occurrence is 
Long Island (Butcher, Auk, x, 1803, p. 265). 

11. Urinator lumme (Gunn). Ked-theoated Loon. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Back, wings, and tail fuscous, more or less spotted with white ; head 
and neck ashy gray ; foreneck chestnut ; back of the neck black, streaked with 
white ; breast and belly white ; longer under tail-coverts and band at the base 
of shorter ones fuscous. Ad. in winter and Im. — Similar to U. imber, but 
back spotted with white. L., 25-00; W., 11-00; Tar., 2-60; B., 2-00. 

Range. — Found throughout the northern parts of the northern hemisphere, 



60 AUKS, MUERES, AND PUFFINS. 

breeding in North America from New Brunswick and Manitoba northward, 
and migrating irregularly southward as far as South Carolina. 

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, common T. V., rare W. V., Oct. to 
May. Sing Sing, casual T. V. Cambridge, one instance, Oct. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a few feet of the water. 
Eggs, two, grayish olive-brown, sometimes tinged with green and spotted 
with blackish, 2-80 x 1*75. 

This is a more northern species than Urinator imber, which it doubt- 
less closely resembles in habits. 

Family Alcid^e. Auks, Murres, and Puffins. 

This family contains about thirty species, confined entirely to the 
northern parts of the northern hemisphere. Nearly all of these are 
found in Nortn America, most of them, however, on only our Pacific 
coast. Without exception they are maritime birds, passing the greater 
part of their lives on the open sea. They nest in colonies, sometimes 
in enormous numbers, generally upon rocky, precipitous shores. Their 
progress on land is slow and awkward ; but they are, as a rule, strong 
fliers, and accomplished swimmers and divers. Unlike the Grebes and 
Loons they use their wings in diving. Their food consists of fish, 
Crustacea, and other forms of sea life. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Bill under *75 34. Dovekie. 

II. Bill over -75. 

1. Depth of bill at nostril over *60. 

a. Bill yellowish, depth at nostril over 1-00. 

13. Puffin. 13a. Large-billed Puffin. 

b. Bill black, depth at nostril under 1*00 . . 32. Razor-billed Auk. 

2. Depth of bill at nostril under -60. 

A. Wing-coverts white or tipped with white. 

a. Greater wing-coverts entirely white . 28. Mandt's Guillemot. 

b. Basal half of greater wing-coverts black. 27. Black Guillemot. 

B. No white on wing-coverts. 

a. Bill over 1-60 30. Murre. 

b. Bill under 1-60 31. Brunnich's Murre. 

13. Fratercula arctica {Linn.). Puffin ; Sea Parrot (see Fig. 5, c). 
Ad. — Upper parts, wings, tail, and foreneck blackish, browner on the head 
and foreneck ; nape with a narrow grayish collar ; sides of the head and throat 
white, sometimes washed with grayish ; breast and belly white. (Breeding 
birds have the bill larger and brighter, and a horny spine over the eye.) L., 
13-00; W., 6-10; Tar., 1*05; B., 1*85; depth of B. at base (in winter), 1-50. 

Range. — " Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, breeding on the North 
American coast from the Bay of Fundy northward" (A. 0. U.). Migrates 
southward in winter, rarely to Long Island. 



AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 61 

Long Island, A. V. in winter. 

JVest in a burrow in the ground or in crevices among rocks. Egg, one, dull 
jrhite, sometimes with obscure markings, 2*49 x 1*68. 

Mr. Brewster, in describing his experience with this species in the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence, writes: "The first report of our guns brought 
dozens tumbling from their nests. Their manner of descending from 
the higher portions of the cliff was peculiar. Launching into the air 
with heads depressed and wings held stiffly at a sharp angle above their 
backs, they would shoot down like meteors, checking their speed by an 
upward turn just before reaching the water. In a few minutes scores 
had collected about us. They were perfectly silent and very tame, 
passing and repassing over and by us, often coming within ten or fif- 
teen yards. On such occasions their flight has a curious resemblance 
to that of a Woodcock, but when coming in from the fishing grounds 
they skim close to the waves, and the wings are moved more in the 
manner of a Duck " (Proc. JBost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 407). 

13a. F. a. glacialis (Temm.). Large-billed Puffin. — Similar to 
the preceding, but larger. W., 6-80-7-40 ; B., 2-00-2-30 (B., B., and B.). 

Range. — "Coast and islands of the Arctic Ocean from Spitsbergen to 
Baffin's Bay" (A. O. U.). 

The Tufted Puffin {12. Lunda cirrhata) inhabits the North Pacific from 
California to Alaska. The specimen figured by Audubon was said by him 
to have been procured at the mouth of the Kennebec Biver, Maine. There is 
no other record of its occurrence on the Atlantic coast. 

27. Cepphus grylle {Linn.). Black Guillemot ; Sea Pigeon. Ad. 
in summer. — Sooty black, lighter below and with slight greenish reflections 
above ; lesser wing-coverts and terminal half of the greater wing-coverts 
white, the basal half of the greater coverts black, ; linings of the wings white. 
Ad. in winter. — Upper parts gray or black, the feathers all more or less tipped 
with white; wings as in summer; under parts white Im. — Upper parts as 
in winter adults ; under parts white, mottled with black ; wing-coverts tipped 
with black. L., 13-00 ; W., 6-25 ; Tar., 1-25 ; B., 1*20. 

Range.— Breeds in North America from the Bay of Fundy (Grand Menan) 
northward, and migrates southward regularly to Cape Cod, and rarely to Con- 
necticut and Long Island ; accidental in Pennsylvania. 

Long Island, A. V. in winter. 

Nest, in the crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. Eggs, two to 
three, dull white, sometimes with a greenish tinge, more or less heavily 
spotted with clear and obscure dark chocolate markings, more numerous and 
sometimes confluent at the larger end. 2-18 x 1*40. 

'•They were wary and alert, but allowed me to paddle within easy 
shooting distance without displaying much alarm. When they finally 
concluded I was an unsafe neighbor, they lost no time in getting out 
of sight, diving with surprising suddenness. They usually swam a 



(52 AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 

long distance under water with great rapidity, using their wings as 
well as their feet, and coming to the surface far beyond gunshot 
range. 

" The Sea Pigeons are met usually in small flocks of half a dozen 
or more, and generally feed in the open sea at the base of bold cliffs. 
When on the wing they proceed rapidly and in a straight line, and 
rarely more than a few feet from the surface of the water. On ap- 
proaching their nesting-site they rise rather abruptly, and fly directly 
to their nests" (Chamberlain). 

23. Cepphus mandtii (LicM.). Mawdt's Guillemot. — Resembles 
the preceding, but the bases of the greater wing-coverts are white instead of 
black. 

Range. — "Arctic regions of both continents" (A. 0. U.) ; in America 
breeding from Labrador and Hudson Bay northward, migrating southward 
as far as Massachusetts. 

Nest, in crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. Eggs, two to three, 
not distinguishable from those of C. grylle, 2-34 x 1*15. 

A more northern species than the preceding, which it doubtless re- 
sembles in habits. 

30. Uria troile {Linn.). Mukke. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts, 
wings, tail, and neck all around, dark sooty brown, blacker on the back, 
wings, and tail; tips of secondaries, breast, and belly white, the sides more 
or less streaked with blackish. Ad. in winter and Im. — Upper parts, wings, 
and tail much as in summer; under parts white, the throat more or less 
washed with sooty brown, the flanks sometimes streaked with brownish, and 
the feathers of the belly more or less lightly margined with blackish. L., 
16-00; W., 8-00; Tar., 1-40; B., T75 ; depth of B. at nostril, -50. 

Remarks. — Some specimens have a white ring around the eye and a white 
stripe behind it. They have been named U. ringvia (Briinn.), but it is un- 
certain as to whether the species is a distinct one or is based on a mere varia- 
tion of plumage. 

Range. — u Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic" (A. O. U.). In North 
America, breeding from Nova Scotia northward, and migrating southward as 
far as Massachusetts. 

Nests in communities, side by side on the bare ledges of rocky cliffs. Egg, 
one, pyriform, varying from pale blue or greenish blue to whitish or buft'y 
singularly spotted, scrawled, or streaked with shades of chocolate, rarely un- 
marked, 3-25 x 2-00. 

"These birds begin to assemble on their customary cliffs in Eng- 
land early in May, and crowd together in such numbers that it is not 
uncommon to see hundreds sitting upon their eggs on the ledge of a 
rock, all in a line, and nearly touching each other'' (Nuttall). 

11 The bird usually sits facing the cliff, holding the e<xg between her 
legs, with its point outward ; if robbed, she will lay at least one more, 



AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 63 

similar in character. . . . Considerable force is exercised in diving, 
and the wings are used for propulsion under water " (Saunders). 

31. Uria lomvia {Linn.). Brunnicu's Murre. Ad. in summer. — 
Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty black, forcneck somewhat browner; tips ot 
secondaries, breast, and belly white ; base of the upper mandible greenish, 
rounded outward beyond the edge of the lower mandible. L., 10*50 ; W., 
8-40; Tar., 1*30; B., 1-25; depth of B. at nostril, -47. 

Remarks.— Adults are to be distinguished from adults of U. troile by the 
darker color of the head, which in lomvia is darker than the throat, by the 
size of the bill and thickening of its cutting edge at the base. Winter and 
immature birds can be distinguished from those of U. troile only by the size 
of the bill, which, as the measurements show, is longer in that species. 

Range. — " Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and eastern Arctic 
Oceans" (A. O. C). Breeds from the Magdalen Islands northward; in win- 
ter migrates as far south as New Jersey. 

Long Island, irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nests in communities, side by side on the bare ledges of rocky cliffs. Egg, 
one, not distinguishable from that of U. troile. 

" During the winter it lives on the open sea, and in the breeding 
season assembles in large flocks on bold cliffs and rocky headlands. 
It is an expert diver, using wings and feet to get under water and to 
swim through it " (Chamberlain). 

32* Alca tarda Linn. Kazor-billed Auk; Tinker. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty black ; foreneck somewhat browner ; 
tips of the secondaries, a line from the eye to the bill, breast, and belly white ; 
bill black, crossed by a white band. Ad. in ivinter. — Similar to ad. in the 
summer, but with the sides and front of the neck white. Lm. — Similar to ad. 
in winter, but with the bill smaller and without the white bar. L., 16-50; 
W., 7-90; Tar., 1-35; B., 1-25. 

Range. — " Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic" (A. O. U.). Breeds 
from the Magdalen Islands northward ; in winter migrates southward regu- 
larly to Long Island and rarely to Virginia and North Carolina. 

Long Island, irregular W. V. 

Nest, in the crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. Eggs, one to 
two, pale bluish white or buffy, thickly spotted and speckled with chocolate 
markings most numerous and sometimes confluent at the larger end, 3*00 x 1-90. 

" When brooding, it crouches along, not across, the egg, its mate 
often standing near ; and both sexes incubate, though the male may 
be seen bringing food to the sitting female. . . . The young flutter 
from the rocks to the sea, or are taken by the neck and carried down 
by the parents. They are at first very loath to follow the old bird in 
diving, and remain crying plaintively on the surface of the water. 
The food consists of small fish, which are carried diagonally in the bill 
— not at right angles, as by the Puffin — and crustaceans. The Razor- 



g4 AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 

bill utters a peculiar grunting or groaning, especially when sitting. 
On the water it may be distinguished from the Guillemot, at a dis- 
tance, by its upturned tail " (Saunders). 

33* Plautus impennis {Linn.). Great Auk. — Upper parts fuscous 
black, a large white spot before the eye ; secondaries tipped with white ; sides 
of the neck and throat seal-brown, rest of the under parts silvery white. L<, 
28-00-30-00 ; W., 5*75; B., 3-15-3-50; greatest depth of B., 1*50 (Eidgw.). 

Range.— 1 - Formerly the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, from 
Massachusetts and Ireland northward nearly to the Arctic Circle " (A. O. U.). 
Now extinct. 

EQ9i pyriform-ovate, pale olive buffy, variously marked with brown and 
black, 4-67 x 2-91 (Ridgw.) r 

The Great Auk was flightless. Like other birds of this family, it 
frequented certain localities in large numbers each year to breed. 
Early voyagers and fishermen visited its nesting grounds, killing the 
helpless birds in enormous numbers for their flesh, feathers, and oil. 
The result was extinction, and no living Great Auk has been observed 
since 1842. About seventy specimens are known to be preserved in 
collections. (See Lucas, Rep. Smith. Inst., 1891, pp. 638-641.) 

34. AUe aile (Linn.). Dovekie; Sea Dove. Ad. in summer. — Upper 
parts, wings, and tail sooty black ; sides and front of the neck and upper 
breast somewhat browner; secondaries tipped and scapulars streaked with 
white ; lower breast and belly white. Ad. in ivinter and Im. — Similar to the 
above, but throat whiter or washed with dusky, and sometimes a gray collar 
on the nape. L., 8'00 ; W., 4-50 ; Tar., '70 ; B., '50. 

Range. — " Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and eastern Arctic 
Oceans " (A. O. XL). Breeds from latitude 69° northward ; in winter migrates 
southward, rarely to Long Island and New Jersey ; accidental in Pennsylva- 
nia and Virginia. 

Long Island, irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, on the ledges and in the crevices of rocky cliffs. Egg, one, pale 
bluish white, 1*85 x 1-27. 

" On the approach of a vessel this bird has a peculiar way of splash- 
ing along the surface of the water, as if unable to fly, and then diving 
through the crest of an advancing wave ; it swims rather deep and 
very much ' by the stern.' . . ." (Saunders). 

" Its wings are small, but they are moved almost as rapidly as a 
Hummingbird's, and propel the bird through the air with great rapid- 
ity. This bird is an expert diver too, and, though awkward on land, 
swims with ease and grace. . . ." (Chamberlain). 



JAEGERS AND SKUAS. 65 



ORDER LONGIPENNES. LONG- WINGED SWIMMERS. 

Family Stercorariid^e. Jaegers ajsd Skuas. 

Two of the six known members of this family are found in the 
antarctic regions, while the remaining four inhabit the northern parts 
of the northern hemisphere. Except during the nesting season, the 
Jaegers are as a rule pelagic, though they sometimes visit large bodies 
of water inland. They generally obtain their food by robbing Gulls 
and Terns, and have been well named the Hawks of the sea. Their 
greater power of flight enables them to successfully pursue these birds 
and force them to disgorge their recently captured prey. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Bill over 1*35 ; tarsus over 1-70 ; middle tail-feathers never pointed. 

a. Bill over 1-90 35. Skua. 

b. Bill under 1*90 36. Pomarine Jaeger. 

B. Bill under 1*35 ; tarsus under 1*70 ; middle tail-feathers generally pointed. 

a. Scaly shield on the bill longer than the distance from its end to the tip 
of the bill , 37. Parasitic Jaeger. 

b. Scaly shield on the bill shorter than the distance from its end to the tip 
of the bill 38. Long-tailed Jaeger. 

35. Megalestris skua (Brunn.). Skua. Ad.— Upper parts, tail, and 
wings dark, dirty brown ; shafts of the wing and tail-feathers white, except 
at the tip ; outer wing-feathers with inner vanes white at the base ; under parts 

somewhat lighter; neck more or less streaked with whitish. Im. " Similar 

to adult, but more distinctly streaked with yellowish, especially on the head 
and neck." L., 22-00 ; W., 15-91 ; Tar., 2-63 ; B., 2-06 (Ridgw.). 

Range.—*- Coast and islands of the North Atlantic, chiefly northward. 
South to Spain and Massachusetts. Apparently rare off the coast of North 
America" (A. O. U.). 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, on rocky cliffs. Eggs, two, pale olive-brown or greenish gray spot- 
ted with chocolate, 2-80 x 1-90. 

36. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.). Pomarine Jaeger. Ad., 
light phase.— Very similar in color to corresponding phase of & parasiticus, 
but with the upper parts darker, nearly black. Ad., dark phase and Im,— 
Similar in color to corresponding stages of S. parasiticus. L., 22-00 ; W., 
13-50 ; T., Ad., 8-00, Im., 5-40 ; Tar., 2-00 ; B., 1-55. 

Remarlcs.— This species is to be distinguished from the two following by 
its larger size and the rounded ends of its central tail-feathers. 

Range.— •" Resident during the summer in high northern latitudes, chiefly 
within the Arctic Circle, and extending from Siberia in eastern Asia entirely 
around the zone" (B., B., and R). Migrates southward along the Atlantic 
<\ 



66 JAEGERS AND SKUAS. 

coast, and more rarely through the Great Lakes, and winters from Long Island 
southward. 

Long Island, regular from June 15 to Oct. 30. Sing Sing, A. V. 

i\y, on the ground. Eggs, two to three, deep olive-drab sparingly spot- 
ted with slate color, and light and dark raw-umber markings and black dots, 
chiefly at the larger end, where they become confluent, 2*25 x 1-70 (Brewer). 

37» Stercorarius parasiticus {Linn.). Parasitic Jaeger (see 
Fig. 6, a). Ad., light phase. — Back, wings, and tail slaty fuscous ; top of the 
head and lores nearly black ; sides of the head and back of the neck straw- 
yellow, this color sometimes spreading down the sides of the neck and on 
the throat; breast and belly white; sides of the breast, flanks, lower belly, 
and crissum slaty fuscous ; tarsi and feet (in dried specimens) black ; middle 
tail-feathers pointed and extending about 3*00 beyond the others. Ad., dark 
phase. — Entire plumage dark, slaty brown, darker on the top of the head ; 
under parts slightly lighter; sometimes a trace of straw-yellow on the sides 
and back of the neck ; tarsi, feet, and tail as in the preceding,. Im., light 
phase. — Upper parts, wings, and tail fuscous; the feathers of the back, neck, 
and head more or less bordered, tipped, or barred with buffy ; hind-neck and 
head sometimes buffy, streaked or barred with fuscous, and varying from 
this color to plain fuscous ; longer, lateral upper tail-coverts barred with 
buffy ; tail buffy, whitish at the base ; under wing-coverts barred with buffy ; 
under parts white, washed with buffy, and irregularly barred with sooty 
fuscous ; these bars sometimes very numerous when the under parts looked 
as if cashed w T ith sooty fuscous ; again, they may be less numerous and con- 
fined to the breast and sides, leaving the belly white; central tail-feathers 
pointed, projecting more or less beyond the rest. Im., dark phase. — Sooty fus- 
cous, the feathers, particularly on the under parts, more or less marked with 
ochraceous-buff. L., 17*00; W., 13-00; T., Ad., 8-60, Im., 6*40; B., 1-15. 

Remarks. — This species closely resembles S. longicaudus. Adults of both 
species, whether in the dark or light phase of plumage, may always be dis- 
tinguished from each other by the difference in the length of their central 
tail-feathers, in addition to the characters given in the key. Young birds 
can not be distinguished by color, but may be identified by the differences in 
relative proportions of the bill. 

Range. — " Northern parts of the northern hemisphere, southward in win- 
ter to South Africa and South America" (A. O. IL). In America breeds 
in the Barren Grounds and Greenland ; migrates southward through the Great 
Lakes and along the Atlantic coasts, and winters from the Middle States 
southward. 

Long Island, regular from June 15 to Oct. 30. 

Nest, on the moors or tundras, a slight depression in the ground scantily 
lined with grasses, etc., or on rocks by the sea. Eggs, two to four, light olive- 
brown, with frequently a strong greenish tinge and chocolate markings, more 
numerous and sometimes confluent at the larger end, 2*25 x 1-65. 

38. Stercorarius longicaudus Vieill. Long-tailed Jaeger. 
Ad., light phase. — Back, wings, and tail slaty fuscous; top of head and lores 
nearly bla^k ; sides of the head, back and sides of the neck straw-yellow: 



GULLS. 67 

throat sometimes washed with the same color ; under parts white ; sides, 
lower belly, and crissum slaty fuscous; central tail-feathers extending about 
7*00 beyond the others, the projecting ends narrow and pointed. (No dark 
phase of this species has been described.) Im. — Similar in plumage to im. 
of S. parasiticus, but differing otherwise as pointed out under that species. 
L., 21-00; W., 12-50; T., Ad., 12-00, Im., 5-50; B., 1-08. 

Bange. — Northern part of the northern hemisphere; in America nests 
in Greenland and quite abundantly " along the Anderson, in the * Barrens, 5 
and also on the arctic coast" (Macfarlane) ; migrates southward along the 
coasts, and rarely through the Great Lakes, to the Gulf of Mexico and West 
Indies. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground, sometimes scantily lined with 
grasses. Eggs, two to three, similar in color to those of the preceding, 
2-10 x 1-50. 

Family Larid^e. Gulls and Terns. 

This family contains about one hundred species divided equally 
between the subfamily Larince (Gulls) and subfamily Sternince (Terns). 
They are distributed throughout the world. Some forty species in- 
habit North America. With few exceptions they agree in possessing 
the marked characters of their respective subfamilies, under which 
they may be more conveniently treated. 

Subfamily Larince. Gulls. 

Generally speaking, Gulls are maritime and pelagic, though some 
species are found inland. As compared with Terns, Gulls are less 
graceful and active on the wing. In flight the bill points forward in 
the plane of the body, not downward toward the earth, as in the Terns. 
They procure their food largely by picking it from the surface of the 
water or land with their strongly hooked bills, not by plunging or 
darting, as do the Terns. Some of the species are true birds of prey, 
and feed on small mammals and the eggs and young of other birds. 
Gulls are better swimmers than Terns, and pass much time resting on 
the water. They nest in colonies, generally on the ground, sometimes 
on rocky ledges, and rarely in trees. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 15-00. 

A. Back dark slaty black 47. Black-backed Gull. 

B. Back pearl-gray. 

a. Outer primaries marked with black. 

51a. Am. Herring Gull. 51. Herring Gull. 

b. No black on primaries. 
b*. Bill under 2-00. 

b 2 . Primaries light pearl-gray, fading gradually into white at their 
tips 43. Iceland Gull. 



68 GULLS. 

b 3 . Primaries pearl-gray, tipped with white, and with well-defined 
gray spaces on the outer webs of the two outer primaries and on 
both webs of the third and fourth primaries. 

45. Kumlien's Gull. 

c 1 . Bill over 2*00 42. Glaucous Gull. 

C. Back grayish, whitish, or brownish, or mottled or spotted with gray- 
ish or brownish. 

a. Tail black or blackish, with or without irregular white markings. 
a 1 . Wing over 17*50 ; depth of bill at nostril over -70. 

47. Black-backed Gull (Im.). 
a 2 . Wing under 17*50 ; depth of bill at nostril under -70. 

51a. Am. Herring Gull (Im.). 51. Herring Gull (Im.). 

b. Tail white or whitish or grayish brown, with or without black 
markings. 

b 1 . Bill under 2*00 43. Iceland Gull (Im.). 

& 2 . Bill over 2*00 42. Glaucous Gull (Im.). 

II. Wing under 15*00. 

1. Tail pure white. 

A. Head and throat slaty black. 

o. Outer primary black or mostly black. 

a 1 . Outer primary entirely black .... 58. Laughing Gull. 

a 2 . Inner half of inner webs of first primary white. 

62. Sabine's Gull. 
b. Outer primary mostly white. 

b 1 . Tip of first primary white 59. Franklin's Gull. 

J 2 . Tip of first primary black 60. Bonaparte's Gull. 

B. Head white, sometimes washed with pearl-gray. 

a. Wings white 39. Ivory Gull. 

b. Primaries with more or less black. 
bK Wing over 11-00. 

J 2 . Hind toe very small, without a nail ... 40. Kittiwake. 

b*. Hind toe normal, with a nail ... 54. Ring-billed Gull. 

cK Wing under 11*00 6L Ro8S - s GuLL# 

2. Tail marked with black. 

A. Wing over 13-25. 

a. Primaries mostly white 39. Iv0RY Gull (Im.). 

b. Primaries black or mostly black . 54. King-billed Gull (Im.). 

B. Wing under 13-25. 

a. Hind toe very small, without a nail . . . 40. Kittiwake (Im.). 

b. Hind toe normal, with a nail. 

b\ Tarsus 1-50 or over 58. Laughing Gull (Im.). 

c 1 . Tarsus under 1-50. 
r 2 . Secondaries pearl color, tail square. 

60. Bonaparte's Gull (Im.). 
cs. Secondaries mostly white, tail rounded. 

61. Boss's Gull (Im.). 

39. Gavia alba (Gunn.). Ivory Gull. Ad.— Entire plumage pure 

white; bill yellow, feet black. Im.— Similar to ad., but the wins and tail 



GULLS. 



C9 



feathers, and sometimes the wing-coverts, with a black spot at their tips. L., 
17-00; W., 1325; T.,5'50; B., 1*35. 

Range. — "Arctic seas, south in winter on the Atlantic coast of North 
America to Labrador and Newfoundland, casually to New Brunswick, and on 
the Pacific side to Bering Sea " (A. 0. U.). 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, of grass, moss, and feathers on rocky cliffs. Eggs, light yellowish 
olive, marked with small blotches of brown and larger cloudings of lilac, 
2-45 x 1-70 (Brewer). 

" The Ivory Gulls appear to spend most of the time amid the pack- 
ice, often at a long distance from land" (Chamberlain). 




Fig. 60— First primaries of adult Gulls, seen from below: (a) Am. Herring 
Gull ; (b) Ring-billed Gull ; (c) Laughing Gull ; (d) Franklin's Gull ; (e) Bona- 
parte's Gull. 

40. Rissa tridactyla (Linn.). Kittiwake. Ad. in summer. — Head, 
neck, tail, and under parts pure white ; back and wings pearl-gray ; outer 
web of first primary and 3'00 of the ends of first and second primaries black ; 



70 GULLS. 

third to fifth primaries black at the ends and with white tips ; hind toe very 
small, a mere knob without a nail ; bill yellowish, feet black. Ad. in winter, 
— Similar to above, but the top of the head and back of the neck washed with 
pearl-gray, and a dark spot about the eye. Im. — Similar to winter adults, 
but with the back of the neck, lesser wing-coverts, and part of the tertials 
black ; tail, except outer pair of feathers, with a black band at its tip ; four 
outer primaries black, except the inner half or more of their inner webs ; fifth 
and sixth tipped with black and white ; bill black, feet yellowish. L., 16*00 ; 
W., 12-00; T., 4-50; B., 1-30. 

Remarks. — This species can always be distinguished by the small size of 
the hind toe. 

Range. — Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in America, breed- 
ing commonly from the Magdalen Islands northward, and wintering as far 
south as the Great Lakes in the interior, and, on the coast, commonly to Long 
Island, and rarely to Virginia. 

Long Island, common T. V., a few winter, Nov. to Mch. 

JVest, of grass, moss, and seaweed on the ledges of rocky cliffs. Eggs, 
three to four, varying from shades of buffy to grayish brown, distinctly and 
obscurely marked with chocolate, 2*25 x 1-60. 

" Our bird differs but little in its habits from other oceanic Gulls. 
Feeding chiefly on fish, but accepting any diet that drifts within range 
of its keen sight ; drinking salt water in preference to fresh ; breasting 
a gale with ease and grace — soaring in midair, skimming close above 
the crested waves, or swooping into the trough for a coveted morsel ; 
resting upon the rolling billows, and sleeping serenely as they roll, 
with head tucked snugly under a wing; wandering in loose flocks, 
and making comrades of other wanderers ; devoted to mate and young, 
and attached to all its kin — wherever seen or however employed, the 
Kittiwake is revealed as a typical gleaner of the sea. 

" The name is derived from the bird's singular cry, which resembles 
the syllables kitti-aa, kitti-aa" (Chamberlain). 

42. Lams glaucus Brunn. Glaucous Gull ; Burgomaster. Ad. 
in summer.— Back and wings pale pearl -gray ; primaries lightly tinted with 
pearl, inner half of their inner webs and tips fading gradually into white; 
rest of the plumage pure white. Ad. in winter. — Similar to the above, but 
with the head and neck lightly streaked with grayish. Im. — Upper parts 
varying from ashy gray to white, the feathers widely barred, mottled, or 
streaked with buffy or ashy gray ; primaries varying from pale smoky gray 
to pure white ; tail ashy or brownish gray ; under parts varying from dirty 
whitish to ashy gray, generally darker on the belly, sometimes mottled with 
buffy or grayish. (Birds of the second year are said to be pure white.) L., 
28*00; W., 17-10; B., 2-35; depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible, 
•75 to 1-00; Tar., 2-60. 

Range. — Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in North America 
breeding commonly from southern Labrador northward and migrating south- 
ward to the Great Lakes and Long Island. 



GULLS. 71 

Long Island, irregular W. V. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, etc., on the ground. Eggs, two to three, varying 
from pale olive-brown to grayish white, spotted or speckled with shades of 
chocolate, 3-10 x 2-20. 

Mr. Chamberlain remarks that this species combines " with some 
gull-like traits many of the coarse characteristics of both Falcon and 
Vulture." 

" Some observers have reported that flocks are at times very noisy, 
particularly when settling for the night ; but those I have met with in 
winter have been rather silent. Their cry is harsh and at times very 
loud ; it sounds something like the syllables kuk-lak. I have seen it 
written cut-leek" 

43* Liarus leucopterus Faber. Iceland Gull. Kesembles the 
preceding species in color, but generally is much smaller ; specimens occur, 
however, which appear to be intermediate. W., 1 5-40-1 6*50 ; B., 1*65-1-90; 
depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible, -60^*70; Tar., 2-05-2-20 (B., 
B., and K). 

Range. — Arctic regions ; in North America migrates south in winter, 
rarely to Long Island. 

Long Island, A. V. in winter. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, etc., on the ground. Eggs, clay-color with numerous 
chocolate markings, 2-79 x 1-89. 

" The flight of the Iceland Gull, its feeding habits, and its manners 
generally, suggest a close affinity to the Herring Gull rather than to 
the Burgomaster " (Chamberlain). 

45. Larus kumlieni Brewst. Kuhlien's Gull, Very similar in gen- 
eral color to the two preceding species, but ditfers from them in the color of 
the primaries. These, instead of being uniformly pure white or but lightly 
tinted with gray, are marked with sharply denned spaces of ashy gray. The 
first primary is tipped with white and marked with ashy gray on the outer 
web and shaft part of the inner web ; the second primary is ashy gray on only 
part of the outer web ; the third and fourth primaries have smaller white 
tips and are marked with ashy gray near their ends on both webs. W., 15-50- 
17*00 ; B., 1-65-1-88 ; depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible, -60--66 ; 
Tar., 2-10-2-35 (Brewster). 

Range. — North Atlantic coast of North America; south in winter to 
Massachusetts. 

Nest, on " the shelving rocks of high cliffs." 

" Mr. Kumlien found this bird breeding in considerable numbers 
near the head of Cumberland Gulf," but, owing to the difficulty of 
distinguishing immature specimens from those of L. leucopterus, its 
status on our coast in winter is not clearly determined. 

47» Larus marinus Linn. Great Black-backed Gull ; Saddle- 
back. Ad. in summer.— Back and wings slaty black ; wing-feathers tipped 



72 



GULLS. 



with white ; rest of plumage white ; tail sometimes mottled with dusky. Ad. 
in winter.— Similar to the above, but with the head and neck streaked with 
grayish. Im.— Head and nape whitish, streaked with grayish; back and 
wings, except primaries, brownish, the feathers margined and irregularly 
marked with pale bufty ; primaries dark brownish black, the inner ones with 
small white tips; tail mottled with black and white; under parts whitish, 
more or less streaked or barred with grayish. L., 29-00 ; W., 18-50 ; T., 8-00 ; 
B., 2-50. 

Jiang e. — North Atlantic ; breeds in North America from the Bay of Fundy 
northward ; migrates southward in winter regularly to the Great Lakes and 
Virginia, and less frequently to South Carolina. 

Long Island, common W. V., Sept. to A pi. 

Nest, of grasses, seaweed, etc., on the ground. -Eggs, two to three, clay- 
color, brownish ashy or buiiy, rather evenly spotted with chocolate, 3-00 x 2-15. 

A more northern species than the Herring Gull. Mr. Brewster, 
who observed it in numbers in the island of Anticosti in July, writes : 

" The Black-backs are exceedingly noisy birds, especially when their 
young are in danger, as well as toward evening. ... I identified four 
distinct cries : a braying ha-ha-ha, a deep keow, keow, a short barking 
note, and a long-drawn groan, very loud and decidedly impressive. . . . 
At all times of the year, during the breeding season as well as in win- 
ter, it is by far the wariest bird that I have ever met." 

The Siberian- Gull (50. Larus affinis)—a large Gull inhabiting north- 
ern Asia — is sometimes found in Greenland. 

51a. Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues. American Her- 
ring Gull. Ad. in summer. — Back and wings deep pearl-gray ; first primary 
tipped with white, then crossed by a small black mark, then a much larger 
white one; this is followed by a black space; the black runs down the outer 
web of the feather to near its base and the shaft part of the inner web 
nearly as fur, leaving the inner two thirds of the web below the black mark 
white i Fig. 60, " I ; the second primary is similar, but the second white mark 
i> a round spot on the inner web and the black occupies a greater space near 
the tip, but does not continue so far down on the feather; the third to sixth 
primaries are tipped with white, which is succeeded by a gradually dimin- 
ishing black baud which extends farther down on the outer web of the feather 
than on the inner; the rest of the plumage is pure white. Ad. in winter — 
S'miihir to the above, but with the head and neck streaked or spotted with 
grayish. Im. — Upper parts ashy fuscous ; head and nape more or less streaked 
with pale buffy ; back and wings margined or irregularly marked with the 
same color: primaries brownish black; tail the same, sometimes tipped or 
margined with bully; under parts ashy fuscous, sometimes lightly barred or 
streaked. L., 24-00 ; W., 17-50; T., 7-50; B., 2-30. 

Rang< •• North America generally, breeding on the Atlantic coast from 
Maine northward " | A. O. U.). In the interior breeds from Minnesota north- 
ward ; Winters from Nova Scotia to Cuba. 



GULLS. 73 

Washington, common W. V., Oct. to Mch. Long Island, abundant W. V., 
Sept. to May, a few in summer. Sing Sing, common T. V., Sept. 21 to May 
9; common \V. V. when river is open. Cambridge, abundant W. V., Nov. 
to Apl. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, seaweed, etc., on the ground, but, where the birds 
have been persistently robbed, it is more compactly built and placed in trees, 
sometimes fifty feet or more from the ground. Eggs, two to three, grayish 
olive-brown, rarely whitish, spotted, blotched, and scrawled with distinct and 
obscure chocolate markings, 2*85 x 1-90. 

This species is by far the most abundant winter Gull along the 
coasts of the Middle and Southern States. Unlike the more pelagic 
species, it frequents our rivers and harbors, feeding about piers and 
wharves, and near the cities showing comparatively little fear of man. 
Sometimes one may see them " bedded " in flocks on the water, where 
they alight to rest. It is generally this species which follows in the 
wake of our coastwise vessels, sailing astern, when the wind is from 
ahead, without the slightest perceptible movement of the wings. (For 
an interesting life-history of the Herring Gull see Mackay, Auk, ix, 
1892, pp. 221-228.) 

The European Herring Gull (51. Larus argentatus) differs from our 
Bpecies in being slightly smaller and in having the two white spaces at the 
tip of the first primary joined, the black spot, therefore, being broken or 
entirely absent. It is of rare occurrence on the Atlantic coast of North 
America. 

54. Larus delawarensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Back and wings pearl-gray ; first primary black, with a white spot near 
the tip, the base of the inner half of the inner web pearl -gray (Fig. 60, b) ; 
second primary black, the basal half of the inner web pearl-gray ; on the 
third to sixth primaries the black decreases rapidly, and each one is tipped 
with white ; rest of the plumage pure white ; bill greenish yellow with a black 
band in front of the nostril. Ad. in winter. — Similar to the above, but the 
head and nape streaked with grayish. Im. — Upper parts varying from ashy 
fuscous, the feathers margined with whitish, to pearl-gray, the feathers more 
or less mottled, spotted, or, on the head and neck, streaked with ashy fus- 
cous ; outer primaries black, tail varying from pearl-gray, more or less mottled 
with blackish, to white, and crossed near the end by a wide band of black ; 
basal half of the bill yellowish, end black. L., 18-50; W., 14-00; T., 6'00 ; 
B., 1-60. 

Range. — North America, more common in the interior ; breeds from 
southern Minnesota and Newfoundland northward ; winters from Long Island 
to Cuba and Mexico. 

Washington, very common T. V., Feb. to Apl. 5 ; Oct. to Nov. ; rare in 
winter. Long Island, common W. V., Aug. to Apl. Sing Sing, casual T. V. 

Nest, of grasses, etc., on the ground. Eggs* two to three, clay-color, buffy, 
or whitish, rather evenly spotted with chocolate, 2-30 x 1*65. 



74 GULLS. 

The ooast-inhabiting individuals of this species resemble the Her- 
ringGull in habits, and are not easily identifiable from that species 
unless the two be seen together, when the smaller size of the King-bill 
is noticeable. 

In the interior, where the species is locally common, it feeds on 
inserts, which it catches both on the ground and in the air. 

The Mv\n Guu (56* Larue canus) — a European speoies has boon found 
OnOG in Labrador. 

58. Larus atricilla Linn. Laughing Gull; Black-headed Gull. 
v Soo Pig, 8,6.) .!</. in summer. Baok and wings dark pearl-gray ; primaries 
black, the inner ones with small white tips (Fig. 60, c) ; whole head and throat 
deep Blate-oolor; rest of the plumage, Including the nape, pure white, the 
breast sometimes suffused by a delicate peach blossom tint; lull dark red- 
dish, blighter at the tip. .!</. in winter,- Resembles the above, but has the 
head and throat white, the erown and sides of the head and sometimes the 
nape spotted or streaked with grayish. lm.- Upper parts Light ashy fuseotis, 
the feathers margined with whitish; primaries black; forehead and under 
parts white, sometimes washed in places with dusky ; tail dark pearl-gray, 
broadly tipped with hlaok. 1.., L6-50; W., 12-50; T., 4-&0; B., 1-65, 

Rang*, -Breeds from 'Texas and Florida to Maine; rare in the interior; 
winters from South Carolina to northern South America, 

Washington, irregular in tall. Long Island, rare S. K., irregular T, V., 

Apl. to Sept. 

A<st, o( grasses, seaweed, etc., on the ground in grassy marshes. Eggs, 
three to tiw, varying from grayish olive-brown to greenish gray, spotted, 
blotched, and scrawled with chocolate, 8*16 x i\V>. 

" From the hoarse clatter of the Terns one could distinguish its 
long-drawn, clear note on a high key, sounding not unlike the more 
exeited call-note of the Domestic Goose ; and every now ami then it 
would give its prolonged, weird laughter, which has given rise to its 
Common name. To one who has heard it, it might be imitated by t ho 
syllables hah-Iut-ha-ha-ha. hah-hah-hafu all of which are uttered on a 
high, dear tone, the last three or four syllables, and especially the last 
one, being drawn out with peculiar and prolonged effect, the whole 
Bounding like the odd and exeited Laughter of an Indian squaw, and 
giving marked propriety to the name o( the bird" (Langille). 

59. Larus franklini Sir. a/hi Rich.. Frank] en's (in i. Ad. in sum- 
mer.— Whole head and throat sooty black, nape, sides o\' the neck, and under 

;>t throat, white, generally sutfusod (id fresh specimens) with an 
exquisite peach-blossom tint; tail white; back and wings pearl-gray; first 
primary white, the outer weh black, except at the tip, the shaft part oi' the 
inner ish on the basal half (Fig. 60, d) ; second primary white with 

u black mark on the inner web and a black stripe on the outer web near the 
tip. the reel o\ the outer web and shaft part o( the inner web pearl-gray ; third 



GULLS. 75 

to sixth primaries tipped with white, then banded with gradually diminishing 
bars of black, which are succeeded by a whitish space, while the rest of the 
feather is pearl-gray ; bill dark coral-red. Ad. in wilder. — l ' Similar, but head 
and neck white, the occiput, with orbital and auricular regions, grayish dusky ; 
bill and feet dusky, the former tipped with orange reddish. 11 Young ^ first 
plumage. — "Top and sides of the head (except forehead and lore-.-;, back and 
scapulars grayish brown, the longer scapulars bordered terminally with pale 
grayish buff; wing-coverts bluish gray tinged with grayish brown; seconda- 
ries dusky, edged with pale grayish blue and broadly tipped with white; pri- 
maries dusky, the inner more plumbeous, all broadly tipped with white. 
Central portion of the rump uniform light bluish gray; lateral and posterior 
portions of the rump, upper tail-coverts, entire lower parts, forehead, lores, and 
eyelids white. Bill brownish, dusky terminally; feet brown (in skin;." W., 
11-25; B., 1*30; depth through nostrils, '35 ; Tar., 1*60 (B., B., and B.). 

Range. — "Breeds from southern Minnesota and Dakota northward ; win- 
ters in the Southern States, and migrates principally west of the Mississippi 
Kiver :i (Cooke and Merriam;. Not found on the Atlantic coast. 

JVest, of grasses, etc., in reedy or bush-grown marshes. Egg8, one to three, 
varying from dark chocolate to creamy brown and sooty white, irregularly 
marked with small spots or large blotches of umber, and with obsolete lilac 
shell markings, 2T2 x 1*40 (Preston;. 

This inland species reaches our western limits. An excellent ac- 
count of its habits, by J. W. Preston, will be found in the Ornitholo- 
gist and Oologist, xi, pp. 54, 55. 

60. Larus Philadelphia ( Ord). Bonaparte's Gi'll. Ad. in summer. 
— Whole head and throat dark, sooty slate-color; nape and sides of the neck, 
under parts, except throat, and tail white: back and wings pearl-gray; first 
primary, seen from above, white, the outer web and tip black ("Fig. 00, e) ; 
second and third primaries white, tipped with black ; third to sixth primaries 
with small whitish tips, then large black spaces, the rest of the feather white 
or pearl-gray ; bill black. Ad. in winter. — Similar to the preceding, but head 
and throat white, the back and sides of the head washed with grayish. Im. 
— Top of the head and nape and a spot on the auriculars more or less washed 
with grayish ; back varying from brownish gray to pearl-gray; lesser wing- 
coverts grayi.^h brown, secondaries mostly pearl-gray; first primary with the 
outer web, tip, and most of the shaft part of the inner web black; inner mar- 
gin of the inner web at the end of the feather narrowly bordered with black ; 
second and third primaries much the same, but with slightly more black at 
the ends; tail white, banded with black and narrowly tipped with white; 
under parts white. L., 14-00 ; W., 10-30; T., 4-00; B., 1-15. 

Jlange. — Breeds from Manitoba northward; apparently no record of its 
breeding on the Atlantic coast; winters southward to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May 5; Oct. and Nov. Long Island, 
common T. V., a few winter, Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, rather rare T. V., A pi. 
and Oct. 

Ae&t, of sticks lined with grasses, etc., on stumps, in bushes or trees four 



76 TERNS. 

to twenty feet from the ground. Eggs, three to four, grayish olive with a 
greenish tint and small clove-brown spots, chiefly about the larger end, P97 
x 1-40 (B., B., and R.). 

" The flight is easy and graceful, each stroke of the long, pointed 
wings throwing the body up a little, while the bird peers this way and 
that in quest of its small prey. If it fly toward one, the white front 
of its wings, added to its white breast and neck, gives it the appear- 
ance of a white bird with a black head. It often has a noticeable way 
of turning partly around or cutting backward as it drops in securing 
some object detected on or near the surface of the water, thus making 
it appear decidedly lithe and agile on the wing" (Langille). 

The Little Gull (601. Larus minutus), a European species, has been 
taken only once in America — on Long Island, in September, 1887 (Dutcher, 
Auk, v, 1888, p. 171). 

Koss's Gull (61. Rhodostethia rosea), an arctic species, is known from 
Point Barrow, Alaska; Melville Peninsula; England, Faroes, and Heligoland ; 
but has been found in numbers only at the first-mentioned locality. (ISee 
Murdoch, Kep. of the Exp. to Point Barrow, p. 123.) 

62. Xema sabinii (Sab.). Sabine's Gull. Ad. in summer. — Whole 
head and throat slate-color, bordered posteriorly by black ; back and sides of 
the neck, under parts, except throat, and slightly forked tail pure white ; 
back and wings dark pearl-gray ; secondaries tipped with white ; first primary 
black, the inner half of the inner web, except at the end, white; second to 
fourth primaries similar, but tipped with white; bill black, the end yellow. 
Ad. in winter. — " Similar to the summer plumage, but the head and neck 
white, except occiput, nape, and auricular region, which are dull, dusky 
plumbeous" (B., B., and K.). Im. — Forehead and lores white, rest of the 
upper parts ashy brown, the feathers slightly tipped with whitish ; tail white, 
broadly tipped with blackish; under parts white. L., 14*00; W., 10*50; T., 
4-50; B.,95. 

Range. — Arctic regions, in winter migrating only a short distance south- 
ward and rarely reaching the United States. 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest) of grasses, etc., on the ground. Eggs, two to five, deep olive (vary- 
ing in intensity, however), rather indistinctly spotted or blotched with brown, 
1-78 x 1-26 (Ridgw.). 

This boreal species is of rare occurrence in the northern United 
States in the winter. 

Subfamily Sternince. Terns. 

Terns are littoral ; never, I believe, pelagic. They inhabit the shores 
of bodies of both fresh and salt water, but are more abundant on the 
seacoasl than in the interior. Their principal characters, as compared 
with the Gulls, are mentioned under the subfamily Larince. Their 



TERNS. 77 

power of flight has deservedly won for them the name of Sea Swal- 
lows. They capture their prey of small fish by plunging into the 
water, frequently disappearing and swimming a few feet beneath the 
surface. They nest in colonies. The nest is usually on the ground. 
Generally it is simply a slight depression in the sand, shells, or pebbles 
of a beach, or in the near-by seaweed, moss, or grasses. Sometimes it 
is scantily lined with bits of grass, seaweed, moss, etc., but these are 
frequently wanting. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing under 13-00. 

1. Entire top of the head jet-black. 

A. Bill black, or mostly black. 

a. Feet black or blackish. 

a 1 . Under parts black or blackish 77. Black Tern. 

«2. Under parts white ; bill black .... 63. Gull-billed Tern. 
a 3 . Under parts white; bill black, broadly tipped with yellow. 

67. Cabot's Tern. 

b. Feet yellowish or orange. 

b 1 . Outer tail-feathers pure white; outer web of first primary black. 

72. Koseate Tern. 

b*. Inner web of outer tail-feather gray ; outer web of first primary 

gray 69. Forster's Tern. 

B. Bill mostly or entirely yellowish, reddish, brownish, or orange. 

a. Under parts tinged with grayish ; outer web of outer tail-feather 
gray ; inner web white. 

a 1 . Bill broadly tipped with blackish ; tarsus generally over -70. 

70. Common Tern. 
a 2 . Bill without a distinct black tip ; tarsus generally under -70. 

71. Arctic Tern. 

b. Under parts pure white ; inner web of outer tail-feather gray ; outer 
web white 69. Forster's Tern. 

2. Forehead white ; lores black; crown jet-black. 

A. Wing under 8*00; back pearl-gray 74. Least Tern. 

B. Wing over 8'00 ; back grayish brown or blackish. 

a. Back grayish brown ; a white stripe from the forehead over the eye. 

76. Bridled Tern. 

b. Back blackish ; white of forehead not reaching over the eye. 

75. Sooty Tern. 

3. Forehead or crown white or grayish, sometimes speckled with black ; 
lores not entirely black. 

A. Wing pearl-gray, over 9 -00. 

a. Outer tail-feather entirely pure white. 

a 1 . Bill over 1*75, tipped with yellowish . . '. 67. Cabot's Tern. 
a 2 . Bill under 1*75, without a yellow tip . 72. Koseate Tern (1m.). 

b. Outer tail-feather not pure white. 

b l . Inner web of outer tail-feather darker than outer web ; outer web 



78 



TERNS. 



mostly or entirely white ; a black space generally on the side of 

the head inclosing the eye 69. Forster's Tern (Im.). 

ft 2 . Outer web of outer tail-feather darker than inner web ; tarsus 

over *70 70. Common Tern (Im.). 

b*. Outer web of outer tail-feather darker than inner web ; tarsus 

under *70 71. Arctic Tern (Im.). 

JR. Wing blackish, over 9*00. 

a. Under parts blackish 75. Sooty Tern (Im.). 

b. Under parts white 76. Bridled Tern (Im.). 

4. Crown silvery gray ; lores black ; rest of plumage sooty . 79. Noddy. 

C. Wing under 9*00 77. Black Tern (Im.). 

II. Wing over 13-00. 

A. Wing 15*00 or over; outer primary mostly gray. 64. Caspian Tern. 

B. Wing under 15-00 ; inner half of inner web of first primary white. 

65. Royal Tern. 




Fig. 61.— First primaries of adult Terns, seen from below, (a) Caspian Tern ; 
(6) Royal Tern ; (c) Common Tern ; (d) Arctic Tern ; (e) Roseate Tern. 



63. Gelochelidon nilotica Hasselq. Gull-billed Tern; Marsh 
Tern. Ad. in summer.— Top of the head and nape black; back and wings 
pale pearl-gray; outer web of outer primaries silvery; tip and shaft part of 
the inner web darker; inner part of the inner web, except for a narrow mar- 



TERNS. 79 

gin at the end of the feather, white ; tail white, slightly forked, the middle 
feathers grayish ; under parts white ; bill and feet black, the former rather 
short and stout. Ad. in ivinter. — Similar to the above, but top of the head 
white, auriculars grayish, and a space in front of the eye blackish. L., 14-50; 
W., 12-00; T., 5-50; B., 1-40; depth of B. at base, -50. 

Range. — Cosmopolitan ; in North America breeds along the Gulf coast from 
Mexico to Florida, and on the Atlantic coast north to Virginia, straying 
northward rarely to Maine. 

Washington, casual. Long Island, A. V. in summer. 

Eggs, three to live, rather uniform buffy white, with numerous distinct and 
obscure chocolate markings, 1*80 x 1*30. 

This is a common species on the coast of our Southern States. It 
is said to prefer insects, which it catches on the wing, to fish. Its voice 
is harsh and easily distinguishable from that of other Terns, while its 
heavy black bill will also serve to identify it. 

64. Sterna tschegrava Lepech. Caspian Tern. Ad. in spring. 
—Top and back of the head shining black, the feathers lengthened to form 
a crest ; back of the neck, under parts, and tail white ; back and wings pearl- 
gray ; primaries dark slaty, silvery on the outer web (Fig. 61, a) ; bill coral- 
red, darker near the tip ; feet black. Ad. after the breeding season and in 
winter. — Similar to the above, but top of the head streaked with black. Im. 
— Top of head streaked with black and white ; back of neck and under parts 
white; back, wing-coverts, and tertials pearl -gray, spotted or barred with 
brownish black ; primaries dark slaty, silvery on the outer web ; tail pearl- 
gray, more or less barred with brownish black ; bill orange-red ; feet black- 
ish brown. L., 21-00; W.. 16-20; T., 6-00; B., 2-80. 

Range. — A cosmopolitan species of irregular distribution ; in North Amer- 
ica, breeds locally from Texas to Great Slave Lake ; migrates through the in- 
terior and on the coast, and apparently does not winter within our limits. 

Long Island, uncommon T. V., Aug. and Sept. 

Eggs, two to three, grayish white or buffy white, with rather small, dis- 
tinct, and obscure chocolate markings, 2*70 x 1*83. 

This large Tern of local distribution is to be known by its size and 
red bill. Unless the two were seen together, however, I do not believe 
it could with certainty be distinguished in life from the Royal Tern. 

65. Sterna maxima JBodd. Koyal Tern. Ad. in spring. — Top and 
back of the head shining black, the feathers lengthened to form a crest ; 
back of the neck, under parts, and tail white ; back and wings pearl-gray ; 
inner web of primaries, except at the tip, white ; tip, outer web, and shaft part 
of inner web dark, silvery slate-color (Fig. 61, b). Ad. after the breeding 
season and in winter. — Similar to the above, but top of the head streaked 
with black and white. Im. — Eesembling the young of 8. tschegrava, but 
smaller and with the inner half of the inner web of the primaries white. L., 
19-00 ; W., 14-00 ; T., TOO ; B., 2-50. 

Range. — Breeding in North America along the Gulf coast from Texas to 



80 TURNS. 

Florida, and on the Atlantic ooast to Virginia; occasionally wanders north- 
ward to the Great Lakes and Massachusetts. 

Long Island, A. V. in summer. 

Eggs, one to lour, more pointed than those of the preceding, grayish white, 
with rather small, distinct, and obscure chocolate markings, 2*65 x 1*75. 

A common species on our southern coasts. During the winter it 
is about the only Tern one sees in Florida waters. It is a strong, 
active bird on the wing, and a reckless, dashing diver, frequently dis- 
appearing beneath the surface in catching its prey. The slow-flying 
Pelicans are at its mercy, and it often deftly robs them of their well- 
earned gains. 

Both this species and the preceding, and indeed all the 'Ferns, are 
to be known from the Gulls by the very different manner in which 
they hold their bills. A Tern points its bill directly downward, and 
looks, as ("ones says, like a big mosquito, while a Gull's bill points for- 
ward in the plane of its body. 

67. Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida (Cabot). Cabot's Tern; 
Sandwich Tkkn. Ad. in spring. Whole top of the head and crest blaek ; 
hack and w ings light pearl-gray ; primaries silvery gray ; the shaft, part of 
the inner web white except at the tip; rest, of tin' plumage white; feet and 
hill blaek, the latter with a conspicuous yelloivish tip. Ad. after the breeding 
$MSOn ami in winter. -Similar to the above, but, crown white, sometimes 
spotted with blaek ; back of the head and crest more or less streaked with 
white. Im. — Similar to the preceding, but, back spotted with blackish; tail 
slaty gray and much shorter; bill Blightly if at all tipped with yellow. L., 
16-00; W., LO-50; T., w:>^\ B., &-05, 

Range. Tropical America, breeding on the Gulf coast from Texas to 
Florida, ami on the Atlantic coast, to South Carolina; accidental in Massa- 
chusetts. 

Eggs, two to three, bully white, spotted, speckled, and scrawled with dis- 
tinct, and obscure ohooolate markings, 2*05 x l-io. 

This is an abundant summer resident on the coasts of southern 
Florida, and in winter is common as far north as Key West. 

It is said by Audubon to somewhat resemble the Marsh Tern on 
the Wing, and to have a loud, sharp, grating voice, which can be heard 
half a mile or more. I have never seen it alive, but I believe its 
yellow-tipped, black bill would enable one to identify it at some dis- 
tance. 

Trudeau's Tkkn (68. Sterna trudeaui) is a South American species which 

has been taken once on Long Island and once on the New Jersey coast, 

69. Sterna forsteri Nutt. Forster's Tern. Ad. in summ* > 
Whole top of the head black; back and wings pearl-gray; inner border of 
inner web of the outer primaries white, except at the tip; rump and entire 



TERNS. 81 

under parts white ; tail light pearl-gray, the outer feather darker toward the 
end, where the inner web is always darker than the outer; bill dull orange, 
the end third blackish; feet orange. Ad. in winter. — Similar to the above, 
but head white, more or less washed with grayish or spotted with blaek, a 
large black spot on the side of the head inclosing the eye; bill mostly black; 
feet brownish. Jin. — Similar to the preceding, but the back and wings more 
or less mottled or washed with light brownish, and the tail much shorter. 
L., 15-00; W., 10-25; T., 7'00; Tar., 90; B., 1-50. 

Range. — Of more or less general distribution throughout North America, 
breeding in the east locally from Texas northward through the Mississippi 
Valley to St. Clair Flats and Manitoba — recorded from Lake Mistassini — ap- 
parently not breeding on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia, but wandering 
irregularly to Massachusetts. 

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, rare T. V. in fall. 

JS'tst, of seaweed, flags, or weeds on a slight elevation in grassy marshes. 
Eggs, three, very variable, olive-gray, or olive brownish ashy, more rarely 
whitish or bull', heavily marked with chocolate, 1*80 x 1*30. 

Dr. Brewer, writing of Mr. Ridgway's experience with this species 
on Cobb's Island, Virginia, where it was found breeding in numbers, 
says: "It was only less abundant than the Anglica [=nilotica], and 
quite as numerous as the hirundo, frequenting especially grassy 
marshes, in which it nests. He found it pre-eminently a marsh Tern. 
It nested in company with, or in close proximity to, colonies of the 
Black-headed Gull. It could be readily distinguished from the Com- 
mon Tern, which it closely resembles when on the wing, by its grating 
monotonous note, which very closely resembles one frequently uttered 
by the Loggerhead Shrike" (B. B., and R.). 

70. Sterna hirundo Linn. Common Tern; Wilson's Tern; Sea 
Swallow (see Fig. 7). Ad. in summer. — Whole top of the head black ; back 
and wings pearl-gray ; inner border of inner web of outer primaries white, 
except at the tip (Fig. 61, c) ; throat white; breast and belly pale pearl-gray ; 
tail white, the outer webs of the outer feathers gray or pearl-gray ; bill red at 
the base, the end third black ; feet orange-red. Ad. in ivinter. — Similar to 
the above, but front part of the head and under parts white : bill mostly 
black. Im. — Similar to the preceding, but the back more or less washed or 
mottled with light brownish ; lesser wing-coverts slaty gray, and tail much 
shorter. L., 15-00 ; W., 10-25; T., 5-50; Tar., '75; B., 1*40. 

Remarks. — The Common Tern is closely related to Forster's Tern and also 
to the Arctic Tern. From the former it is to be distinguished by the color of 
tire long outer tail-feathers. In the Common Tern the outer web of these 
feathers is always darker than the inner web; in Forstcr\s Tern the inner 
web is always darker than the outer one. Adult Common Terns have the 
breast and belly washed with pearl-gray, while in Forster's Tern these parts 
are pure white. 

The Common Tern differs from the Arctic Tern in having the bill tipped 
7 



82 TERNS. 

with black instead of being entirely red ; in having longer tarsi, and in the 
color of the primaries. 

Range. — " Greater part of the northern hemisphere and Africa; in North 
America chiefly confined to the eastern province " (A. 0. U.). Breeds locally 
both on the coast and in the interior from the Gulf States to the Barren 
Grounds and Greenland. 

Washington, irregular T. V., sometimes common. Long Island, common 
S. R., May through Sept. Sing Sing, casual in late summer. Cambridge^ 
casual in Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, not distinguishable with certainty from those of 
the preceding, but averaging paler and greener, and less heavily marked, 
1*60 x 1-20. 

It is five years since I visited the breeding grounds of the colony 
of Common Terns on Gull Island, L. I., but I can close my eyes and 
still feel the air vibrate with the harsh, half- threatening, half -pleading 
chorus of nearly two thousand excited voices. There is a dull, heavy, 
hopeless monotone, broken only by the scream of some half-maddened 
bird who fearlessly darts downward to protect its nest at my feet. A 
shot is fired ; there is a moment of awe-struck silence, then, with re- 
newed violence, the screaming is resumed. Pandemonium reigns: 
tearr, terrrr, swish ! the air is full of darting, diving, crying Terns. 
It was useless to attempt to secrete myself. At no time during my 
stay did the outcry cease or hovering flock disperse. 

This little, barren, uninhabited, sandy island — only a few acres in 
extent — and Muskeget Island, off the Massachusetts coast, are the only 
localities, from New Jersey to Maine, where the once abundant Common 
Tern, or Sea Swallow, can be found in any numbers. What an illus- 
tration of the results of man's greed and woman's thoughtlessness ! 
The fickle fashion which indorsed the poor Tern's spotless plumage 
has long since found new favorites, and the sadly mangled pearl-gray 
feathers have gone to graves in the ash-heap. Now it is the Egret's 
turn. 

Even the protection afforded by an insular home was not sufficient. 
Feather hunters, egg robbers, and self-styled oologists came in boats 
to drive the Sea Swallows from their last resort ; but the law inter- 
fered, and both Gull and Muskeget Islands now have a paid keeper 
whose duty it is to protect the Terns. 

71. Sterna paradissea Brunn. Arctic Tern. — Very similar in 
color to the Common Tern, from which it differs in having less gray on the 
shaft part of the inner web of the outer primaries (Fig. Gl,d) ; in having the 
tail somewhat longer, the tarsi and bill shorter, while the latter, in the adult, 
is generally without a black tip. L., 15*50; W., 10*25; T., 7*50; Tar., -65; 
B., 1*30. 

Range. — " Northern hemisphere ; in North America, breeding from Massa- 



TERNS. 83 

chusetts to the arctic regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and Cali- 
fornia" (A. O. U.). 

Long Island, rare in summer. 

Eggs, three to four, not distinguishable with certainty from those of the 
preceding, l'G2 x 1*15. 

Comparing the notes of this bird with those of the Common Tern, 
Mr. Brewster writes : " Their notes are similar, but several of them 
can be distinguished. The usual cry of S. macrura [=paradiscea] cor- 
responds to the tearr of S. hirundo, but is shriller, ending in a rising 
inflection, and sounding very like the squeal of a pig. The bird also 
has a short, harsh note similar to that of Forster's Tern. At any dis- 
tance within fair gun-range I could usually separate it from Wilson's 
[= Common] Tern by its longer tail, and by the uniform and deeper 
color of the bill. In flight and habits the two seemed to me identical " 
(Birds Observed on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. 
Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 402). 

72. Sterna dougalli Montag. Eoseate Tern. Ad. in summer. — 
Top of head black; back and wings pearl-gray; outer web of outer pri- 
maries and shaft part of the inner web slaty black (Fig. 61, e) ; under parts 
white, generally delicately tinted with pinkish; tail pure white; bill black, 
the base reddish ; feet red. Ad. in winter. — Similar to the above, but front 
of the head white, more or less streaked or spotted with black ; under parts 
pure white. Im., first plumage. — " Fileum and nape pale buffy grayish, linely 
mottled or sprinkled with darker, and streaked, especially on the crown, with 
dusky; orbital and auricular regions dusky blackish ; remainder of the head, 
extreme lower part of the nape, and entire lower parts white, the nape, and 
sometimes the breast, finely mottled with bully gray ; back, scapulars, wing- 
coverts, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail pale pearl-blue, the back and scapu- 
lars overlaid with pale buff irregularly mottled with dusky, each feather with 
a submarginal dusky V-shaped mark ; primary coverts and primaries dark 
bluish-gray edged with paler, the inner webs of the latter broadly edged with 
white ; tail-feathers marked near their ends much like the longer scapulars, 
their outer webs rather dark grayish ; bill brownish dusky ; feet dusky." L., 
15-50; VV\, 9-50; T., 7'50 ; B., 1-50 (B., B., and R.). 

Range. — Temperate and tropical regions ; in America apparently confined 
to the Atlantic coast, breeding from Florida northward to Maine; compara- 
tively rare north of southern New Jersey ; winters south of the United States. 

Long Island, uncommon but regular S. R., May through Sept. 

Eggs, three, not distinguishable with certainty from those of S. for steri or 
S. hirundo, but averaging paler and less heavily marked, 1*65 x 1-20. 

This species is found associated with colonies of Common Terns, 
apparently making its nest among theirs. It is a less excitable, wilder 
bird than hirundo, and its tingle harsh note, each, may be distinctly 
heard above the uproar of Common Terns, as it hovers somewhat in 



84 TERNS. 

the background. Its white breast and long outer tail-feathers also aid 
in distinguishing it. 

74. Sterna antillarum (Less.). Least Tern. Ad. in summer. — 
Forehead white, lores and crown black ; back, tail, and wings pearl-gray ; 
outer web of outer primaries and shaft part of the inner web slaty black ; 
under parts white ; bill yellow, generally tipped w T ith black ; feet orange. 
Ad. in winter. — Top of head white, more or less spotted with black ; back of 
head black ; bill blackish. Im. — Upper parts and tail at the end mottled 
with blackish and buffy, primaries as in the adult, under parts white, bill 
blackish. L., 9-00 ; W., 6-90 ; T., 3-50 ; B., 1-10. 

Range. — Northern South America northward to California, Dakota, and 
Massachusetts, rarely to Labrador; breeds locally throughout its range, and 
winters south of the United States. 

Washington, casual T. V. Long Island, rare in summer. 

Eggs, three to four, buffy white, speckled or spotted with chocolate, 
1-25 x -90. 

This, the smallest of our Terns, resembles its congeners in habits, 
though it is said to add insects to its usual fare of fish. Its voice is 
described as " a sharp squeak, much like the cry of a very young pig 
following its mother." 

75. Sterna fuliginosa Gmel. Sooty Tern. A d — Forehead and a 
line reaching to the eye white, lores and rest of the head black ; nape, back, 
and wings brownish black, nearly as dark as the head; outer tail-feathers 
white, brownish on the end half of the inner web ; rest of tail-feathers of the 
same color as the back ; under parts white ; bill and feet black. 7m., first 
plumage. — Sooty slate-color; linings of the wings and under tail-coverts 
whitish ; wing-coverts, scapulars, upper tail-coverts, and tail-feathers more or 
less tipped with white. L., 17-00 : W., 11-50 ; T., 7*25 ; B., 1'75. 

Mange. — Tropical and subtropical regions ; in North America breeds rarely 
as far north as North Carolina ; occasionally wanders northward to Maine ; 
winters south of the United States. 

Long Island, A. V. in summer. 

Eggs, one to three, whitish or buff, speckled or spotted with chocolate, 
2-00 x 1-45. 

A regular summer visitant to our southern coasts and occasionally 
wandering northward. It breeds in colonies in little-frequented islands 
in the West Indies, and may be seen fishing in flocks, which hover 
low over the water. 

The Bridled Tern (76. Sterna anwthetus), a tropical species, has been 
talvcn once in Florida, but may prove to be a regular summer visitant to some 
of the Florida keys. 

77. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.). Black Tern. 
Ad. in summer. — Whole head and under parts, except under tail-coverts, 
black; back, wings, and tail slate-color; bill and feet black. Ad. in winter. 



SKIMMERS. 85 

^Forehead, nape, and under parts white : back of the head black mixed 
with white; back, wings, and tail deep pearl-gray. Im. — Similar to the pre- 
ceding, but upper parts more or less washed and tipped with brownish ; sides 
washed with grayish. L., 10-00 ; W., 8-30 ; T., 3-30 ; B., 1-00. 

Range. — Temperate and tropical America; breeds in the interior from 
Kansas and Illinois to Alaska; not known to breed on the Atlantic coast, 
where it is found from Prince Edward's Island southward as an irregular 
migrant, occurring at times in considerable numbers. 

Washington, irregular T. V., Sept. Long Island, irregular T. V. in vary- 
ing numbers, Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V., Sept. 

Nest, of reeds, grasses, etc., rather closely woven, in grassy marshes or 
vegetation floating in a slough. Eggs, two to three, grayish olive-brown, 
rarely whitish, heavily spotted and blotched with chocolate markings, fre- 
quently confluent about the larger end, 1-35 x *98. 

This is an abundant species at favorable localities in the interior. 

" It seems not to subsist on fish at all, but chiefly on dragon flies 
and various aquatic insects. It finds both its home and its food in 
the marshes usually, but its powers of flight are so great that it may 
also be seen far out on the dry open plains, scouring the country for 
food at a distance of miles from its nesting ground. . . . 

" The bird may frequently be seen dashing about in a zigzag man- 
ner so swiftly, the eye can offer no explanation of its motive until, on 
the resumption of its ordinary flight, a large dragon fly is seen hang- 
ing from its bill. . . ." (Thompson). 

The White-winged Black Tern (78. Hydroclielidon leucoptera), an Old 
World species, has been taken once in Wisconsin, and is recorded as " seen " 
on a lake near Winnipeg. 

79. Anous stolidus (Linn.). Noddy. Ad. — Top of the head silvery 
whitish, lores black ; rest of the plumage dark sooty brown ; tail rounded, 
the central tail-feathers longest. Im. — Similar, but the top of the head is 
like the rest of the plumage and the silvery whitish appears as a line from 
the bill to above the eye. L., 15-00 ; W., 10-25 ; T., 5-90 ; B., 1*70. 

Range.— -" Tropical and subtropical regions ; in America, from Brazil and 
Chili north to the Gulf and South Atlantic States" (A. O. U.). 

JYest, of sticks, grasses, etc., on a mangrove bush, in a tree, sometimes on 
the beach or in crevices of rocks. Egg, pale buffy white, sparingly marked 
with rufous, 2*05 x 1*35. 

This is a summer visitant to our South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, 
and nests on some of the Florida keys. 

Family Bynchopidje. Skimmers. 

The three closely allied species constituting this small but distinct 
family are found in the warmer parts of the earth. Only one species 



86 ALBATROSSES. 

inhabits the western hemisphere. Skimmers are unique both in the 
form of the bill and in their manner of feeding. Opening the mouth, 
the bladelike lower mandible is dropped just beneath the surface of 
the water ; then, flying rapidly, they may be said to literally " plow the 
main " in search of their food of small aquatic animals. 

80. Rynchops nigra Linn. Black Skimmer; Scissor-bill (see 
Fig. 8). Ad.— Forehead, sides of the head, under parts, and tips of the sec- 
ondaries white; upper parts and wings black ; outer tail-- feathers white, inner 
ones more or less brownish. L., 18-00 ; W., 14-50 ; T., 475 ; B., 2-('»0. 

Eange. — Coasts of the warmer parts of America, breeding regularly as far 
north as southern New Jersey, and, after the breeding season, occasionally 
wandering northward as far as the Bay of Funcly. 

Washington, A. V. Long Island, occasional in summer. 

Nest, a slight depression in the sand or shells of a beach. Eggs, three to 
four, white or buffy white, heavily blotched with chocolate, 1-80 x 1*35. 

A not uncommon species on our southern coasts, resembling other 
members of this family in habits. 



ORDER TUBINARES. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 

Family Diomedeid^e. Albatrosses. 

The Albatrosses, numbering eight or ten species, are confined chiefly 
to the seas of the southern hemisphere. They are eminently pelagic 
birds, possessed of untiring powers of flight. Four species visit our 
Pacific coast, but on the Atlantic coast of North America Albatrosses 
are almost unknown, and there are but few records of their occurrence. 

The Wandering Albatross (80'1. Diomedea exulans), the largest of all 
sea birds, with an expanse of wing which measures from twelve to fourteen 
feet, inhabits antarctic seas, but sometimes wanders northward, and is said to 
have been seen in Tampa Bay, Florida. 

The Yellow-nosed Albatross (83. Thalassogeron culminatus) is also a 
southern species which is said to have been taken once in Quebec (Chamber- 
lain, NuttalPs Manual, 2d ed., ii, p. 277). 

Family Procellariid^. Shearwaters and Petrels. 

The seventy known species of Petrels are distributed over the seas 
of the world. Some thirty species have been found in North America, 
of which seven occur regularly on our Atlantic coast. Like their large 
relatives, the Albatrosses, they are strictly pelagic, and visit the land 
only to nest. The strong, swift flight of Shearwaters, and the graceful 
movements of the smaller " Mother Carey's Chickens," are familiar 
sights to those who go " down to the sea in ships." 



SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS. 87 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 10-50. 

A. Under parts dusky 94. Sooty Shearwater. 

B. Under parts white. 

a. Bill under 1-50 98. Black-capped Petrel. 

b. Bill over 1*50. 

b 1 . Under tail-coverts white 88. Cory's Shearwater. 

P. Under tail-coverts grayish brown . . 89. Greater Shearwater. 
II. Wing under 10*50. 

A. Wing over 7*25. 

a. Depth of bill at base over *50. . 86. Fulmar. 86a. Lesser Fulmar. 

b. Depth of bill at base under *50. 

b 1 . Upper parts bluish gray 99. Scaled Petrel. 

P. Upper parts sooty black 92. Audubon's Shearwater. 

B. Wing under 7*25. 

a. Upper tail-coverts more or less white. 

a 1 . Tail forked 106. Leach's Petrel. 

b 1 . Tail square. 
b 2 . Webs of feet marked with yellow ; upper tail-coverts not tipped 

with black 109. Wilson's Petrel. 

6 3 . Webs of feet without yellow ; tail-coverts tipped with black. 

104. Stormy Petrel. 

b. Upper tail-coverts grayish or brownish. 

b 1 . Entire under parts brownish 101. Bulwer's Petrel. 

P. Breast grayish 110. White-bellied Petrel. 

b 3 . Entire under parts white 111. White-faced Petrel. 

86. Fulmarus glacialis (Linn.). Fulmar; Noddy (see Fig. 9, b). 
Light phase. — Head, neck, and under parts white or whitish ; back, wings, 
and tail slaty gray. Darh phase. — Entire plumage nearly uniform dark, slaty 
gray. L., 19*00 ; W., 13*04 ; B., 1*50 ; depth of B. at base, *75 (Ridgw.). 

Range. — North Atlantic ; south in winter on the American coast to Massa- 
chusetts ; accidental in northern New Jersey. 

Nest, on the ledges of rocky cliffs. Bgg, one, dull white, 2*85 x 2*01. 

" The Fulmar is a constant attendant on whalers, sealers, etc. — who 
know it as the ' Mollimoke '—in order to obtain fatty substances and 
animal offal ; but I never saw it take any while on the wing, and it 
always settles on the water to feed, like an Albatross. The pinions 
are often flapped slowly in an owt-like manner, but in scudding they 
are held very straight — a peculiarity by which it may easily be distin- 
guished from a Gull at a distance " (Saunders). 

86a. F. g. minor Kjaerb. Lesser Fulmar; Noddy. "Similar in 
color to F. glacialis, but much smaller. W., 11*80-12*00; B., 1*30-1*38; 
depth of B. at base, *60-*70." 

Range. — " North Atlantic, south on American side to coast of New Eng- 
land" (Kidgw.). 



88 SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS. 

88. Puffinus borealis Gory, Cory's Shearwater. Ad.— Upper 
parts ashy fuscous, wings and tail darker ; sides of head and neck slightly 
lighter ; under parts white, sometimes washed with grayish on the breast ; 
under wing-coverts and under tail-coverts white, the latter more or less mot- 
tled with grayish ; bill yellowish. L., 21-00 ; W., 14-00 ; Tar., 2-20 ; B., 2-10. 

Range. — Known as yet only off the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to 
Long Island. 

Long Island, uncommon from Aug. to Oct. 
Nest and eggs unknown. 

Cory's Shearwater has been found as a not uncommon summer 
visitant off the coast of Massachusetts, but its range is unknown. 

89. Puffinus major Faber. Greater Shearwater ; Hagdon. Ad. 
— Upper parts fuscous, wings and tail slightly darker; longer upper tail- 
coverts tipped with whitish ; under parts white ; belly more or less ashy gray ; 
under tail-coverts ashy gray ; bill blackish. L., 20-00 ; W., 12-25 ; Tar., 2*20; 
B., 1-85. 

Range. — " Atlantic Ocean, south to Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope " 
(A. O. XL) ; north to Greenland. 

Long Island, uncommon in summer. 
Nest and eggs unknown. 

84 The long, narrow wings are set stiffly at right angles with the 
body, and the bird frequently glides half a mile at a time without 
moving them perceptibly. It usually follows a direct course, and in- 
variably skims close over the waves. I know of no other sea bird 
whose movements are as easy and graceful. Indeed, at times, espe- 
cially during a gale, its evolutions will compare in grace and spirit 
with those of the Mississippi or Swallow-tailed Kites " (Brewster). 

Manx's Shearwater (90. Puffinus puffin/us) resembles the next in color, 
but is larger. W., 8-50-9-25 ; B., 1-35-1-40 ; depth of B. through base, -40--45 ; 
Tar., 1*70-1-80 " (B., B., and R.). It is a European species of exceedingly rare 
or accidental occurrence on the North Atlantic coast. 

92. Puffinus auduboni Finsch. Aldubon's Shearwater. Ad.— 
Upper parts, wings, and tail dark, sooty, brownish black ; under parts white ; 
sides of the breast grayish ; a patch on the flanks and under tail-coverts sooty 
brownish black ; inner side of tarsi yellowish, outer brownish ; bill blackish. 
£., 12-00; W., 8-00; Tar., 1-60; B., 1-20. 

Range. — Warmer parts of the Atlantic, north rarely to Long Island ; breeds 
in the Antilles and Bahamas, but not, so far as known, on our coasts. 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, of a few bits of sticks in a hole in the rocks. Egg, one, chalky 
white, 2-05 x L40. 

An abundant West Indian species which breeds in the Bahamas 
md Antilles, and is doubtless not uncommon off our southern coasts. 



SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS. 89 

Its flight, low over the water, is strong and swift, five or six rapid 
wing-beats being followed by a short sail. 

94. Puffinus stricklandi Ridgiv. Sooty Shearwater ; Black 
Hagdon. Ad. — Upper parts, wings, and tail dark, sooty, brownish black ; 
under parts somewhat grayer; bill blackish. L., 17 - 00; W., 12-00; Tar., 2*10; 
B., 1-65. 

Range. — As far as known, North Atlantic; south on the American coast 
to South Carolina. 

Long Island, uncommon in summer. 

Nest and eggs unknown. 

" Its flight and habits seem to be identical with those of major, but 
its uniform dark coloring gives it a very different appearance. At a 
distance it looks as black as a Crow " (Brewster). 

The Black-capped Petrel (98. ^Estrelata hasitata) is a southern species, 
which has been found on Long Island, in Florida, West Virginia, and Ver- 
mont. It bears a general resemblance to Puffinus major, but is much smaller 
and has the upper and under tail-coverts white. 

The Scaled Petrel (99. JEstrelata scalaris) is known from one individual 
which had wandered to western New York. Its true home has not been dis- 
covered, but is doubtless in the Antarctic Ocean. 

Bllwer's Petrel (101. Bulweria buliveri) inhabits the eastern Atlantic 
Ocean, including the coasts of Europe and Africa, and is of accidental occur- 
rence in Greenland. 

104. Procellaria pelagica Linn. Stormy Petrel. Ad.— Upper 
parts, wings, and tail sooty black ;. under parts slightly browner; upper tail- 
coverts white, the longer ones broadly tipped with black ; under tail-coverts 
mixed with whitish ; bill and feet black. L., 5*50 ; W., 4*80 ; T., 2*50 ; B., -45. 

Range. — ''Atlantic Ocean, south on the American side to the Newfound- 
land Banks, west coast of Africa and coast of Europe " (A. O. U.). 

Nest, of a few bits of sticks and grasses in a burrow in the ground or be- 
neath a rock. Egg, one, dull white, sometimes with a wreath of minute or 
obscure markings at the larger end, 1*10 x -SO. 

This is the common Stormy Petrel of the east side of the Atlantic. 
It nests in numbers on the small islands along the coast of Great 
Britain, but is only a transient visitant in our waters. It resembles 
the two following species in habits. 

10G. Oceanodroma leucorhoa ( Vieill.). Leach's Petrel. Ad. 
— Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty brown; under parts slightly browner; 
wing-coverts grayish brown; longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones 
mixed with sooty brownish ; tail forked, outer feathers more than -50 longer 
than middle pair ; bill and feet black. L., 8-00 ; W., 6'20 ; T., 3*50 ; B., '62. 

Range.—" North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans ; south on the coast 
of the United States to Virginia and California; breeds from Maine and the 
Hebrides northward on the coasts of the Atlantic " (A. O. U.). 



90 SHEARWATERS AND PETRBL& 

Washington, a. v., several reoords, Long island, unoommon T, V., May 
and Jane. Cambridge, a. \'., one Instanoe, Obt. 

Nirt } of a few hits of Btioks and grasses in a burrow in the ground, or be- 
neath " rook, /•'«/;/, one, cream;} white, sometimes with a wreath of minute or 
obsoure markings at the larger end, L'84 - L'00, 

"This is a bird <){' the northern hemisphere, being as common on 
the Pacific Ocean as on the Atlantic [ts chief breeding station on our 
shores is among the islands at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy; but? 
the open ooean i- s the bird's true hornet 

" Leaoh's Petrels are seldom Been about their nesting site during 
the day, though in the evening they assemble there; and when flut- 
tering through the twilight or under the moon's guidance they have 
the appearanoe of a foraging squad of bats, though the birds' wild, 
plamtivc notes betray their race, The rends are not strictly noo 
turnal, however, for while one oi a pair sits (lose on the nest all day — 
ami this one has been generally the male, in m\ experience— the mate 
is out at sea, 

,l When handled, these l>irds emit from mouth and nostrils a small 

quantity oi oil like fluid ^\' a reddish color and pungent, musklike 
odi^v. 'The air at the nesting site is strongly impregnated with this 

odov, and it guides a searcher to the nest " (Chamberlain), 

109. Ocoaiiitcs oceanicus (Kuhl), Wilson's Petrel, Ad, CJp 
per parts, wings, and ball Bootj blaok; under parts Bomowhat lighter; under 
tall ooverts mixed with whitish, longer upper tail ooverts white, shorter ones 
marked with sootj blaok; wing ooverts grayish, margined with whitish; bill 
and feet blaok, the webs of the latter mostly y*22ow. L,,7 % 00; W.,5'90; T., 
9»80 ; B., '50, 

h\n;,<<. Atlantic Ooean ; breeds in southern seas (Kerguelen [eland) and 
migrates northward, spending the summer off our ooasts, 

Washington, A. v., one record, Long Island, common from May to Sept 

.\' ( .v/\ in tiu i orevioes of rooks, / \ y, one, white, 

It is generally known that Borne birds which nest in the northern 
parts of our continent, in the winter migrate as far south as Patago- 
nia; but comparatively few are aware that during the summer we 
receive several visitors from tin* southern parts of the southern hemi- 
sphere, They are all included In the family ProcellariidcB) and Wil- 
son's Petrel is doubtless the most ooiumon, It breeds in the islands 
of the South Atlantic in February, and after the oares of the breeding 
season are over migrates northward to pass its winter oil our coasts. 
At this season its home is the sea, and its occurrence on land is gener- 
ally due to storms. For this reason, and because of its long migra- 
tion, u is the Petrel most frequently observed in western Atlantic 
waters during I he summer, 



TROPIC BIRDS. 91 

Under t he name of il Stormy Petrel," <>r " Mot her ( larey's ( 'hicken," 
they arc familiar to most, people who have made sen, voyages. <>n 
tireless wing they follow in the track of a ship, coursing ceaselessly 
back and forth, now beneath the stern, now hovering over the foam- 
flecked wake, reminding one of white-rumped Martins in their easy, 
graceful flight. II* food be I In-own overboard, they are at once attracted 
to it, and soon are left far behind, a liiilc group of black, fluttering 
forms on the surface <>f the ocean. The meal disposed of, a few rapid 
wing-beats bring them to ns, and again they resume their patient heat- 
ing to and fro. 

The White bellied Petrel {110, Cymodroma grallaria) Is a tropical 
ipecies which has been taken once m North America at St. Murks, Florida. 

The White paced Petrel {111. Pdagod/roma marina) inhabits the South 
Atlantic and southern seas, it is of casual occurrence off the coast of Muhhu- 
ohusetts. it, maj bo distinguished from any of our small Petrels hy its white 
under parts. 



ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 

Family Phakthontidtk. TROPIC Birds. 

The three species composing this small but distinct family are 
found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 

They are littoral rather than pelagic, but make long journeys across 
the open sea. Their flight when migrating is strong, rapid, and direct. 

In feeding, they course over the water, beating hack and forth at a 

height of about forty feet. Their long, willowy tail-feathers add 

greatly to the grace and beauty of their appearance when on the wing. 

112. Phaethon flavirostris Brandt. Fellow billed Tropic 

I»iui> (see Fig. LI). Ad, White; a mark before and through the eye; outei 
web of primaries, Lesser wing coverts, and tertials black ; flanks streaked with 
slate ; bill yellow; tail tinged with salmon, shafts of the feathers black. W., 
10-75; T., 19-00; B., 2*00. 

Range. Tropical coasts ; Atlantic coasts of tropical America, West indies, 
Bahamas, Bermudas; casual in Florida and accidental in western New York 
and Nova Scotia. 

This species breeds abundantly in the limestone cliffs of the Ber- 
mudas, but is of ran; and probably accidental occurrence on our (toasts. 

The Red-billed Tropic Bibd {118, Phatthon cethwus) resembles the 
preceding species, but lias the bill red and the upper parts finely barred with 
black, its range in the Atlantic is more southern than that of the ifellow- 
billed Tropic Bird, and in eastern North America it is accidental. Tie: only 
record of its occurrence is off the Newfoundland Banks* 



92 GAtfNETS. 

Family Sulid^e. Gannets. 

The Gannets number about eight species, of which one is northern 
while the remaining seven are distributed throughout the tropical and 
subtropical coasts of the world. They are strictly maritime, but, ex- 
cept when migrating, do not venture far from land. Their flight is 
strong and rapid, the vigorous strokes of the wing being interrupted 
. at intervals by a short sail. They obtain their food of fish by plung- 
ing for it from the air. The northern species is migatory ; the others 
are roving, but all return with regularity to their nesting places, gen- 
erally on some inaccessible islet, where, during the breeding season, 
they may be found associated in large numbers. 

115. Sula sula (Linn.). Booby. (See Fig. 12.) Ad.— Breast and 
belly white, sometimes washed with grayish; rest of the plumage brownish 
fuscous; head and neck sometimes streaked with grayish brown and white; 
bill and feet yellowish. Im. — Entire plumage brownish fuscous, lighter be- 
low ; bill blackish, feet yellow. L., 30-00 ; V?., 15-50 : T., $'00 ; B., 3-80. 

Range. — " Coasts of tropical and subtropical America, north to Georgia." 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, on the shore of a barren islet. Eggs, two, chalky white, 2-30 x 1*55. 

This inhabitant of barren shores and lonely islets is a summer 
visitant to the Florida keys. It is a strong flier, and when on the 
wing reminds one of both a Cormorant and a Gull. 

The Blue-faced Booby (114- Sula cyanops) is found in the " South Pa- 
cific, West Indies, and northward to Florida, 1 ' but there are no recent records 
of its occurrence in the last-named locality. 

The Red-footed Booby (116. Sula piscator) inhabits the coasts and 
islands of tropical and subtropical seas, north to western Mexico, and is said 
to occur in Florida, but, like S. cyanops, it is of accidental occurrence within 
our limits. 

117. Sula bassana (Linn.). Gannet. Ad.— White, head and neck 
tinged with pale straw-yellow; primaries fuscous. Im. — Throat and upper 
parts, including wing-covcrts, dark grayish brown, each feather with a small 
white wedge-shaped spot; breast and belly white, margined with grayish 
brown. L., 35*00 ; W., 19*00 ; T., 9-50 ; B., 4-00. 

Mange.—" Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter to the Gulf of 
Mexico and Africa; breeds from Nova Scotia and the British Islands north- 
ward." 

Long Island, T. V., May ; Oct. and Nov. ; a few winter. 

Nest, on rocky cliffs. Egg, one, pale bluish white, overlaid by a chalky 
deposit, more or less soiled and stained, 3*20 x 1*90. 

"The birds are usually associated in small, straggling flocks, and 
with outstretched necks, and eyes ever on the lookout for fish, they fly 
at a height of from seventy-five to a hundred feet above the water, or 



DARTERS. 93 

occasionally somewhat more. The height at which the Gannet flies 
above the water is proportioned to the depth at which the fish are 
swimming beneath, and Captain Collins tells me that when fish are 
swimming near the surface the Gannet flies very low and darts ob- 
liquely instead of vertically upon his prey. Should any finny game 
be seen within range, down gees the Gannet headlong, the nearly 
closed wings being used to guide the living arrow in its downward 
flight. Just above the surface the wings are firmly closed, and a small 
splash of spray shows where the winged fisher cleaves the water to 
transfix his prey. Disappearing for a few seconds, the bird reappears, 
rests for a moment on the water, long enough to swallow his catch, 
and then rises in pursuit of other game" (Lucas, Rep. U. S. Nat. AIus., 
1891, p. 712). 

Family Anhingidje. Darters. 

There are four species of Darters or Snakebirds, one each in Africa, 
southern Asia, Australia, and tropical and subtropical America. They 
are silent birds, generally living in pairs on bodies of fresh water with 
wooded shores. They select a perch over the water, and when alarmed 
sometimes drop into the element below and disappear beneath its sur- 
face, or fly upward to a considerable height and circle about like sail- 
ing Hawks. They swim well, and when approached too closely quietly 
sink backward, frequently leaving the long, thin neck and narrow, 
pointed head above the surface, when one at once observes the origin 
of the name " Snakebird." They obtain their food by pursuing it 
under water, and their finely serrated bill assists them in retaining 
their hold upon it. 

118. Anhinga anhinga (Linn:). Axhixga; Snakebtrd; TVater 
Turkey. (See Fig. 13.) Ad. $ in svmmer. — General plumage glossy black 
with greenish reflections ; back of the head aDd neck with scattered grayish 
plumes ; upper back with numerous elongated silvery white spots, which on 
the scapulars become streaks; lesser wing-coverts spotted like the back: ex- 
posed portion of median and greater coverts silvery gray ; tail tipped with 
whitish, the outer webs of the middle pair of feathers with transverse flutings. 
Ad, i in winter. — Similar, bat without the grayish plumes on the head and 
neck. Ad. 9 . — Similar to $ , but with the whole head, neck, and breast 
brownish, darker above. Im. — Similar to 9 , but with the black parts of the 
plumage brownish. L., 34-00 ; W., 13-50 ; T., 10-50 ; B., 3-25. 

Ranye. — Tropical and subtropical America; breeds as far north as south- 
ern Illinois and South Carolina ; winters from the Gulf States southward. 

Nest, of sticks lined with moss, rootlets, etc.. over the water in a bush or 
tree. Eggs, two to four, bluish white with a chalky deposit, 2*15 x 1-35. 

This singular bird is common in the Gulf States. It has the 
habits of other members of this small family. 



94 CORMORANTS. 

Family Phalacrocoracid^e. Cormorants. 

Cormorants are found in all parts of the world. Ten of the thirty 
known species inhabit North America. As a rule they are maritime, 
but they also frequent bodies of fresh water far from the seacoast. 
They are gregarious at all times of the year and breed in large colo- 
nies. Their flight is strong and ducklike, but, except when migrat- 
ing, is generally not far above the surface of the water. They secure 
their food of fish by pursuing it under water, their hooked bill assist- 
ing them in its capture. Unlike the Gannets, they do not dive from 
the air, but from the water or a low perch. 

119. Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.). Cormorant; Shag. (See 
Fig. 10.) Ad. in breeding plumage. — Region about the base of the lower man- 
dible white or whitish ; head, upper neck, and throat glossy black, thickly 
sprinkled with white ; rest ot the neck, under parts, and rump glossy black ; 
a white patch on the flanks ; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts light 
olive-brown, each feather bordered by glossy black ; tail black, composed of 
fourteen feathers. Ad. in winter. — Similar, but without white on the head. 
Im. — Top of the head and hind neck brownish black ; upper back, scapulars, 
and wing-coverts grayish brown, the feathers bordered by blackish ; rump 
glossy black; throat and breast grayish brown, changing to white on the 
belly; sides and under tail-coverts glossy black. L., 36-00 ; W., 14*00; T., 
7'00 ; B., 3-00. 

Range. — " Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter on the coast of 
the United States casually to the Carolinas" (A. O. U.). Breeds from the 
Bay of Funcly to northern Greenland. 

Long Island, regular T. V. in limited numbers. 

Rest, of sticks and seaweed, in colonies generally on the ledges of rocky 
cliffs. Eggs, four to six, pale bluish white, more or less overlaid with a chalky 
deposit, 2-50 x 1-50. 

This northern species is of uncommon occurrence on our coast 
south of its breeding range. 

120. Phalacrocorax dilophus (Sw. and Rich.). Double-crested 
Cormorant. Ad. in breeding plumage. — Head, neck, rump, and under parts 
glossy black; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts light grayish brown, 
each feather margined with glossy black ; tail black, composed of twelve feath- 
ers ; a tuft of black feathers on either side of the head. Ad. in winter. — 
Similar, but without tufts on the head. Im. — Top of the head and back of 
the neck blackish brown ; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts brownish 
gray, each feather margined with black; rump glossy black; sides of the 
head and fore neck grayish white, whiter on the breast and changing gradu- 
ally to black on the lower belly. L., 30-00 ; W., 12-50 ; T., 6-20 ; B., 2-30. 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from Dakota, and the Bay of 
Fundy northward ; winters from southern Illinois and Virginia southward. 
Washington, casual, several records. Long Island, common T. V., Apl. 




1. Bald pate. 

2. Green-winged Teal. 

3. Blue-winged Teal. 

4. Shoveler. 

5. Pintail. 



6. Wood Duck. 

7. Redhead. 

8. Canvasback. 

9. Am. Scaup Duck. 
10. Am. Golden-eye. 



11. Bufflehead. 

12. Old Squaw. 

13. Greenland Eider. 

14. White-winged Scoter. 

15. Ruddy Duck. 



PELICANS. 95 

and May; Aug. to Nov. Sing Sing, A. V., June. Cambridge, casual, one 
instance, Sept. 

Nest, of sticks, seaweed, etc., on the ledges of cliffs, low bushes, bushy 
tree?, or on the ground. Eggs, two to four, similar in color to those of the 
preceding, 2*40 x 1-40. 

This is the common Cormorant of the middle Eastern States. We 
see it chiefly as migrant when in flocks of varying size it passes far 
overhead, or pauses to rest on our shores. In migrating the flock 
is formed in a long line, comparatively few birds deep. On the wing 
they bear a general resemblance to large Ducks. 

120a* P. d. floridanus (Aud.). Florida Cormorant. Resembles 
the preceding species in color, but is smaller. W., 12-00 ; T., 5*50; B., 2*10. 

This is an abundant bird on the Florida coast and westward along 
the shores of the Gulf. Almost every buoy in the harbors of Florida 
is capped by a Cormorant. They are shy birds, but may easily be se- 
cured by placing traps on the buoys or snags, to which they regularly 
return to roost. 

The Mexican Cormorant {121. Phalacrocorax mexicanus) — a species 
found on the west Gulf coast and southward — sometimes wanders up the Mis- 
sissippi as far as Illinois. 

Family Pelecanid^e. Pelicans. 

The twelve known species of Pelicans are distributed throughout 
the warmer parts of the world. Three species are North American, 
of which two are exclusively maritime, while the third is found both- 
on the coast and in the interior. Pelicans are gregarious and nest in 
large colonies. Their flight is strong but leisurely, six or seven wing- 
strokes being followed by a short sail, all the members of a flock flap- 
ping and sailing in unison. They feed on fish, for which some species 
plunge from the air, while others capture small fry with their scoop- 
like pouches while swimming. 

125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus Gmel. American White 
Pelican. Ad. in breeding plumage.^White, primaries black, whitish at 
the base ; an occipital crest and a horny prominence on the bill. Ad. in 
winter. — Similar, but without the crest or horny prominence. Im. — Similar, 
but top of the head brownish gray. L., 60-00; W., 22-00; Tar., 4-50; B., 
14-00. 

Range. — North America, now rare or accidental on the Atlantic coast; 
breeds from southern Minnesota northward; winters along the Gulf coast. 

Washington, casual, four records. Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, of small sticks, on the ground. Eggs, two to four, creamy or bluish 
white with a chalky deposit, more or less stained, 3*45 x 2*30. 



9G PELICANS. 

The White Pelican winters in numbers on the Gulf coast of Florida 
and westward, but rarely occurs on the Atlantic coast. Its snowy 
white plumage renders it conspicuous at a great distance, and a far- 
away Pelican on the water is sometimes mistaken for a distant sail. 

The White Pelican catches his food while swimming. A flock of 
Pelicans will sometimes surround a school of small fry and with beat- 
ing wings drive them toward the shore, all the time eagerly scooping 
the unfortunate fish into their great pouches. At the conclusion of a 
successful " drive " they go ashore or rest quietly on the water and 
devour their prey at leisure. 

They migrate by day— and perhaps by night also— flying at a great 
height, and sometimes pausing to sail in wide circles far up in the sky. 

126. Pelecanus fuscus Linn, Brown Pelican. Ad. in breed- 
ing plumage, -Top of the head and a spot on the upper breast straw-yellow; 
line down either side of the breast white ; hind head, neck, and a spot on the 
fore neck seal-brown; sides and hack silvery gray bordered by brownish 
black ; scapulars, wing-coverts, secondaries, and tail silvery gray ; primaries 
black ; under parts dark blackish brown narrowly streaked with white. Ad. 
after the breeding season. -Similar, but with the hind head and whole neck 
white, more or less tinged with straw-yellow. Ini. — Similar to the preceding, 
but the head and neck grayish and rest of the plumage duller. L., 50-00; 
W., 19*60; Tar., 2'65 ; B., Ll'00. 

Range. Atlantic coast of tropical and subtropical America; breeds abun- 
dantly along the dull' coast and northward to South Carolina; occasionally 
strays to Illinois and Massachusetts. 

Long Island, A. V. 

JVV.v/, of sticks, in mangrove bushes or on the ground. Eggs, two to five, 
similar in color to those of the preceding species, 3'00 x 1*95, 

Brown Pelicans are abundant residents on the Florida and Gulf 
coast. They are generally seen in flocks of four to eight birds flying 
one after the other. The leader beats time, as it were, and they all 
flap in unison for a certain number of wing-beats, then sail for a short 
distance, and then flap again. The coast line is their favorite high- 
way to and from their roosts or nesting grounds. They fly low over 
the water just outside the breakers, following the trough of the sea — 
now disappearing behind the advancing wall of water, now reappear- 
ing as the wave breaks on the shore. 

Unlike the White Pelican, this species secures his prey by diving. 
Singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, they beat back and forth, generally 
about twenty feet above the water, and when opportunity offers plunge 
downward with such force that the spray dashes high about them, ami 
the resulting splash may be heard a half a mile. They sometimes 
catch fish twelve to fifteen inches in length, but as a rule feed on 
smaller ones. 



MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS. 97 



Family Fregatid.se. Man-o'-war Birds. 

Man-o'-war Birds, or Frigate Birds, are found throughout inter- 
tropical seas. One of the two known species occurs in America. They 
are strictly maritime, and, while sometimes observed at great distances 
from the land, are met with in numbers only near the coasts. They 
have a greater expanse of wing in proportion to the weight of their 
body than any other bird, and in power of flight are unsurpassed. 
They rarely alight upon the water, but, facing the wind, pass hours 
resting motionless on outstretched wings, sometimes ascending to 
great heights and calmly soaring far above storms. It is when feed- 
ing that their marvelous aerial powers are displayed to the best advan- 
tage. By swift, indescribably graceful darts they secure fish which 
are near the surface or capture those which have leaped from the water 
to escape some enemy below. They also pursue Gulls and Terns, and, 
forcing them to disgorge their prey, catch it in midair. As a rule they 
are gregarious at all seasons, and nest and roost on bushes near the 
shore. 

128. Fregata aquila {Linn.), Man-o'-war Bird; Frigate Bird. 
(Sec Fig. 15.) Ad. 6 . — Entire plumage black, more glossy above. ? . — Simi- 
lar, but browner; lesser wing-coverts grayish brown; breast and upper belly 
white. Im. — Similar to the ? , but whole head and neck white. L., 4000 ; 
W., 25-00; T., 17*00; B., 4*50. 

Range. — Tropical and subtropical coasts generally; in America north to 
Florida, Texas, and California, and. casually to Kansas, Ohio, and Nova Scotia. 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, of sticks, in colonies, on bushes or rocks. Egg, one, chalky white, 
2-65 x 1-75. 

This species is not uncommon on the coasts of southern Florida, 
but does not, so far as I know, nest there. It resembles other mem- 
bers of the family in habits. 



ORDER ANSERES. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS. 

Family Anatidje. Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 

The two hundred species included in this family are placed in the 
five subfamilies, Merginm or Mergansers, Anatinm or River Ducks, 
Fuligulinm or Sea Ducks, Anserinw or Geese, and Cygninm or Swans. 
The characters given in the Key to Families should enable one to 
easily refer a specimen to its proper group. These subfamilies are so 
well defined that it seems advisable to treat of each one separately. 
8 



98 MERGANSERS, 

Aside from the general remarks at the head of each subfamily I 

can add little which will aid in the identification of the species in the 
field. Ducks are shy creatures, and familiarity with their habits is 
gained only by Long experience. 

Subfam ily Mtrginm* Mergansers, 

The Shelldrakes or Sawbills are fish-eating Ducks. They pursue 

and capture their prey under water, and their serrate bills seem espe- 
cially adapted to this mode of feeding. The flesh of adult Sheldrakes 
is rank and fishy; but the Hooded Merganser is an excellent table 
Puck. 

KKY TO SPECIES. 

A. Kill under V7<\ wing B*O0 or under .... 131. Hooded Mkkganser. 
R Hill over 1*75, wing over 8*00. 
a. Bead and throat black. 

a 1 . Breast and belly white, tinged with salmon. 

129, Am. Merganser ( j ad.), 
a*. Breast brownish, thiekly streaked and spotted with black. 

180. Red-breasted Merganser | 3 ad.), 

h. Head and sides of the neek rieh rufous- brown ; distance from nostril 

to end of bill less than 1-50 .... 129. Am. MERGANSER 9 and imA 

e. Crown grayish brown, more or less washed with einnanion-rufous ; sides 

ot* the neek einnamon-rutbus ; distance from nostril to end of bill over 

l-o0 ISO. Red-breasted Merganser ( 9 and im.). 

129. Merganser americanus ((V.O. American AIbrgaxsbk ; 
Goosander; Shblldrake. (See Fig. 16.) Ad. ft . — Whole head and upper 
neek glossy greenish black; hind neek, secondaries, lesser wing-coverts, and 

ends ot' greater ones white ; back black, rump and tail ashy eray ; breast and 
belly white, delicately tinged with salmon. .-!</. 9 and Im — Chin and upper 
throat white ; lower throat and entire top of the head rutbus-brown ; rest of 
upper parts and tail ashy gray; speculum* white; breast and belly white. 
L., 85-00; W^ 10-60; Tar., 1-86; B. from X.. 1*50. 

Kan Of. — North America generally ; breeds from Minnesota and southern 
New Rrunswiek northward; winters from Kansas, Illinois, and Maine south- 
ward to South Carolina. 

Washington, rare W, V. Long Island, uncommon W. V., Nov. to Men. 
Sine, tolerably common T. V.. Jan. 1 to Meh. S. Cambridge, formerly 
common T. V.. Oct to Dee. 

V rf, o\ leaves, grasses, and moss, lined with down, in a hole in a tree or 
cliff, SJ70*, six to ten. creamy buff, fr65 x 1-75. 

•' This bird is fond of plunging beneath rushing currents for its 
food, and should it encounter a raft of floating rubbish or an ice-cake 



* A patch in the wing formed by the end half of the seeondaries. which in 
Pueks are- irenorallv of a different eolor from the rest of the wing-fcathcTB. 



MERGANSERS. 99 

it will readily pass underneath it. It swims so deeply as to afford the 
gunner but a small mark, and dives so quickly at the snap or flash of 
his gun that he stands but a small chance of killing it. 

•• On being surprised the Goosander may rise directly out of the 
water, but more commonly pats the surface with his feet for some 
yards and then rises to windward. A whole flock thus rising from 
some foaming current affords a spirited scene. Once on the wing, the 
flight is straight, strong, and rapid " (Langille). 

130. Merganser serrator {Linn.). Ked-breasted Merganser; 

Siielldrake. Ad. 6 . — Whole head and throat black, more greenish above; 
a white ring around the neck ; a broad cinnamon-rufous band with black 
streaks on the upper breast and sides of the lower neck ; lesser wing-coverts, 
tips of greater ones, secondaries, breast, and belly white; rump and sides 
finely barred with black and white. Ad. 9 and Im. — Top and back of head 
grayish brown washed with cinnamon-rufous; sides of the head and throat 
cinnamon-rufous, paler on the throat; rest of under parts white; back and 
tail ashy gray; speculum white. L., 22*00; W., ( J-00 ; Tar., 1*70; B. from 
N., 1-80. 

Remarks. — Adults of this and the preceding species may always be dis- 
tinguished by the color of the breast; females and young, by the differently 
colored heads, while the position of the nostril is always diagnostic. 

Range. — Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in America breeds 
from northern Illinois and New Brunswick northward to the arctic regions; 
winters from near the southern limits of its breeding range southward to Cuba. 

Washington, uncommon W. V. Long Island, abundant T. V., Mch. 1 to 
May 1 ; Oct. 15 to Dec. 1, a few winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Dec. to 
Apl. 30. Cambridge, casual, one instance, Oct. 

j\"est, of leaves, grasses, mosses, etc., lined with down, on the ground near 
water, among rocks or scrubby bushes. Eggs, six to twelve, creamy buff, 
2-55 x 1-75. 

This is a more common species than the preceding, which it resem- 
bles in habits. Its note is described as a " croak." 

131. LiOphodytescucullatus(Z^7i.). Hooded Merganser. Ad. 6. 
— Front part of large circular crest black ; remaining part white, bordered by 
black ; rest of head, the neck, and back black ; breast and belly white; sides 
cinnamon-rufous, finely barred with black. Ad. 9 . — Upper throat white ; head, 
neck, and upper breast grayish brown, more or less tinged with cinnamon, 
especially on the small crest; lower breast and belly white; sides grayish 
brown; back fuscous. Im. — Similar, but with no crest. L., 17'50; W., 7*50; 
Tar., 1/10; B., 1*45. 

Range. — North America generally, south in winter to Cuba and Mexico; 
breeds locally throughout its North American ran^e. 

Washington, uncommon W. V. Loner Island, uncommon T. V., rare W. V., 
Nov. to May. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Mch. Cambridge, formerly common T. 
V., Oct. to Dec. 

L.ofC. 



100 RIVER DUCKS. 

Nest, of grasses, leaves, moss, etc., lined with down, in a hollow tree or 
stump near water. Eggs, eight to ten, bulfy white, 2*10 x 1*75. 

According to Ernest E. Thompson, both the preceding species fre- 
quent chiefly " living " or running water, while this bird prefers " dead " 
waters, or quiet ponds and lakes. In Florida it lives in small ponds in 
the hummocks, where one expects to find Wood Ducks, and feeds on 
roots, seeds, etc. It visits also the lakes frequented by Black Ducks, 
Mallards, and other Anatince. The male is a striking bird in life, and 
can not be mistaken for any other species. 

Subfamily Anatince. River and Pond Ducks. 

The Ducks of this subfamily are distinguished by the absence of a 
lobe on the hind toe. They are, for the most part, northern breeding 
birds, and appear on our waters chiefly as migrants. At this time they 
differ but little in habits, and as a rule frequent sluggish streams, 
shallow ponds, arms of bays, and marshes. In comparison with the 
deep-water Fuligulinm they might be called " dabblers " or " tip-ups," 
and any one who has seen them dabbling along the shore, or with up- 
turned tail and head immersed probing the bottom in shallow water, 
like a flock of animated tenpins, will recognize the appropriateness of 
these terms. They feed upon mollusks, crustaceans, insects and their 
larvae, seeds and roots of aquatic plants. The " gutters " on the sides 
of the bill act as strainers, and, after probing the bottom, the mere act 
of closing the bill forces out the mud and water taken in with the food. 
As a rule, they feed more commonly by night than by day. 

They do not gather in such large flocks as the Sea Ducks, and in 
our waters are generally found in groups of less than fifty. 

They spring from the water at a bound, and on whistling wing are 
soon beyond the fowler's reach. Their speed is variously estimated for 
different species at a hundred to a hundred and sixty miles an hour. 
Doubtless the first-named distance is nearer the truth. 

Their nest is composed of twigs, rootlets, grasses, leaves, moss, 
feathers, etc., lined with down from the breast of the incubating bird. 
All our species, except the Wood Duck, place their nest on the ground, 
generally in grassy sloughs or marshes, but sometimes in dry places 
some distance from the water. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing under 8*50. 

a. Lesser wing-coverts gray. 

139. Green-winged Teal. 138. European Teal. 

b. Lesser wing-coverts blue. 

b l . Cheeks slate-color, a broad white mark near the front of the face. 

140. Blue-winged Teal ( 6 ad.). 



RIVER DUCKS. 101 

&. Cheeks and under parts chestnut-rufous. 141. Cinnamon Teal ( 6 ad.). 
c 1 . Cheeks tinely streaked with blackish. 
6 a . Under parts whitish, sometimes washed with brownish, streaked or 

spotted with blackish 140. Blue-winged Teal 9 . 

c 8 . Under parts heavily washed with chestnut-rufous and mottled with 

black 141. Cinnamon Teal 9 . 

II Wing over 8-50. 

A. Belly white or grayish white, not conspicuously streaked or spotted. 

8, Whole head shining dark green 132. Mallard ( <$ ad.). 

b. Center of head white or whitish, a large streak behind the eye. 

137. Baldpate { 6 ad.). 

c. Throat white, crown green or grayish green, tips of primaries greenish. 

144. Wood Duck. 
d Throat blackish, center of crown buffy, rest of head rufous. 

136. Widgeon ( 6 ad.). 
e. Throat and sides of head olive-brown, darker on the crown. 

143. Pintail ( 9 ad.). 
f. Throat, crown, and sides of head more or less finely streaked with 
blackish. 

/*, Wing-coverts with more or less chestnut .... 135. Gad wall. 
g l . No chestnut in wing-coverts. 
g*. Axillars * and sides barred with black .... 143. Pintail 9. 
g*. Axillars white or speckled with black, sides plain brownish. 

137. Baldpate 9 . 
g*. Axillars white, sides thickly spotted or barred with black. 

135. Gad wall 9 . 

B. Under parts conspicuously mottled, spotted, or streaked, or feathers 

margined with chestnut-rufous. 

a. With white in wing-coverts. 

a 1 . Lesser wing-coverts ashy blue 142- Shoveler 9 . 

b 1 . Lesser wing-coverts brownish gray, bordered with white or tipped 

with black. 

& 2 . Speculum f purple 132. Mallard 9. 

b 3 . Speculum gray and white 135. Gad wall 9 . 

b. No white in wing-coverts. 

a. Throat fulvous or buffy without streaks. . . 134. Florida Duck. 

b. Throat finely streaked with black 133. Black Duck. 

C. Belly chestnut 142. Shoveler 6 . 

132. Anas boschas Linn. Mallard (see Fig. 17, a). Ad. 6 .— 

Whole head and throat glossy greenish or bluish black; a white ring around 
the neck ; breast rich chestnut; belly grayish white, finely marked with wavy 
black lines ; under tail-coverts black ; upper back dark grayish brown ; rump 
and upper tail-coverts black ; longer upper tail-coverts recurved ; speculum 
rich purple, bordered at the base and tip by narrow bands of black and white. 
Ad. 9 . — Top and sides of head streaked with fuscous and buffy ; back fuscous, 

* See Fig. 64. t A colored patch in the wing. 



102 RIVER DUCKS. 

the feathers with internal rings or loops and sometimes borders of pale ochra* 
ceous bulfy ; speculum as in the preceding ; breast and belly ochraceous bully, 
mottled with dusky grayish brown. L., 23-00 ; W., 11-00 ; Tar., 1*75; B., 2-25. 

Range. — Northern parts of the northern hemisphere ; in America breeds 
in the interior from Indiana and Iowa, and on the Atlantic coast rarely south 
of Labrador, northward to the arctic regions ; winters from southern Kansas 
and Delaware southward to Central America and the island of Granada. 

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, uncommon T. V., Sept. to Apl. 
Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct., Mch. 

Eggs, six to ten, pale greenish or bluish white, 2*30 x 1*70. 

The Mallard is far more common in the interior than on the coasts. 
Its loud, sonorous quack is not distinguishable from that of its domes- 
ticated descendants. 

133. Anas obscura Gmel. Black Duck; Dusky Duck. Ad.— 

Top of the head rich fuscous, slightly streaked with pale bulfy ; sides of the 
head and throat pale buffy, thickly streaked with blackish ; rest of under parts 
fuscous brown, the feathers all bordered by ochraceous-buff ; back slightly 
darker and narrowly margined with buffy; speculum rich purple, bordered 
by black. L., 22-00 ; W., 11-00 ; Tar., 1'75 ; B., 2-20. 

Remarks. — Always to be distinguished from the Mallard by the lack of 
white in the wing. 

Range. — North America; breeds from Illinois and New Jersey to Hudson 
Bay and Labrador; winters southward to the Greater Antilles. 

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, abundant W. V., Sept. to May ; 
a few breed. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. K., Mch. 6 to Nov. 13. Cam- 
bridge, very common T. V., Mch. and Apl ; late Aug. to Nov. ; a few breed. 

Eggs, eight to twelve, pale greenish or bluish white, or creamy buff, 
2-43 x 1-75. 

This species resembles the Mallard in general habits, and the voices 
of the two are indistinguishable. The Rlack Duck, however, is com- 
moner near the seacoasts, and when molested will sometimes pass the 
day at sea, returning at night to feed in the marshes and ponds near 
the shore. 

134. Anas fulvigula Ridgw. Florida Duck. Ad.— Top of head 
streaked with black and buffy ; sides of the head and entire throat buffy, 
without streaks ; rest of under parts rich buffy ochraceous, widely streaked 
with black ; back black, the feathers broadly margined and sometimes inter- 
nally striped with ochraceous-buff; speculum rich purple bordered by black; 
bill olive-yellow, its nail black. L., 20-00; W., 10-50; Tar., 1-65; B., 2-05. 

Remarks. — Easily distinguished from A. obscura by the absence of streaks 
on the throat. 

Range. — Florida and Gulf coast to Louisiana. 

Kggs, eight to ten, pale dull buff or pale grayish buff, 2-15 x 1*61 (Kidgw.). 

This is a common resident species in Florida. Its habits and voicp 
are practically the same as those of the Black Duck. 



RIVER DUCKS. 103 

135. Anas strepera Linn. Gadwall; Gray Duck. Ad. $. — 

Top of the head streaked with rufous-brown and black ; sides of the head and 
neck pale bully, thickly streaked or spotted with black; breast and neck all 
around black, each feather with a border and an internal ring of white, giving 
the plumage a beautifully scaled appearance ; belly white or grayish ; rump, 
upper and under tail-coverts black ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut. Ad. 9 . — 
Head and throat as in the male ; back fuscous margined with buffy ; breast 
and sides ochraceous buffy, thickly spotted with blackish ; belly and under 
tail-coverts white, more or less thickly spotted with blackish ; little or no 
chestnut on wing-coverts; speculum ashy gray and white; axillars and under 
wing-coverts pure wliite. L., 19-50; W., 10-40; Tar., 1-55; B., 1'70. ' 

Range. — Northern hemisphere ; in America, breeds in the interior locally 
from Kansas northward to the arctic regions ; known to breed on the Atlantic 
coast only at Anticosti ; winters from Virginia to Florida and Texas. 

Washington, common W. Y., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, A. V. 

Eggs, eight to twelve, pale buff or bully white, 2-09 x 1-57 (Eidgw.). 

This species is common in the interior and in Florida, but is rather 
rare in the other Atlantic States. Its call-note is said to resemble that 
of the Mallard, " but is rather more shrill, and frequently repeated." 

136* Anas penelope Linn. European Widgeon. Ad. $. — Crown 
creamy buff"; throat blackish, rest of head and neck rufous-brown ; upper 
breast vinaceous, lower breast and belly wdiite ; sides and back finely marked 
with wavy black and white lines. Ad. 9 . — Head and throat deep oehraceous- 
buff, finely streaked and barred with black, darker above ; upper breast and 
sides much the same color, but without black markings ; lower breast and 
belly white ; back grayish brown, the feathers with small ochraceous buffy 
bars ; tertials fuscous, bordered by deep ochraceous bvffy ; greater wing-cov- 
erts brownish gray, usually whiter on the outer w r ebs and tipped with black. 
W., 10-50 ; B., 1-40. 

Remarks— The females of the European and American Widgeons bear a 
general resemblance to one another. Their distinguishing characters are 
mainly in the color of the head and throat, which are brown in the European 
species, and in the color of the greater wing-coverts, which are whiter in the 
American bird. I have seen a caged male in the summer in a plumage closely 
resembling that of the female. Probably a similar change of plumage occurs 
in our A. americana. 

ita/i^.— Northern parts of the Old World; in North America breeds in 
the Aleutian Islands, and occurs occasionally in the eastern United States. 

Washington, A. V., two records. Long Island, A. V. 

Eggs, five to eight, buffy white, 2-23 x 1-53. 

"The call-note of the male is a shrill, whistling whee-you, whence 
the local names ' Whew Duck ' and ' Whewer ' ; but the female utters 
a low purr-iug growl. Both sexes, however, rise in silence " (Saunders). 

137. Anas americana Gmel. Baldpate; American Widgeon. 

jd. 6 .—Middle of the crown white or buffy ; sides of the crown, from the eye 



10 4 RIVER DUCKS. 

to the nape, glossy green, more or less sprinkled with black ; lores, cheeks, 
and throat buify, finely barred with black : upper breast and sides vinaceous, 
the latter more or less finely barred with wavy black lines ; lower breast and 
belly white; back grayish brown, more or less tinged with vinaceous and 
finely barred with black. Ad. 9 .—Head and throat white or pale, creamy 
buff, finely streaked and barred with black, darker above; upper breast and 
sides pale vinaceous washed with grayish ; lower breast and belly white ; back 
grayish brown, the feathers with small creamy buff bars ; tertials fuscous, bor- 
dered with whitish or creamy buff; greater wing-coverts brownish gray, their 
outer webs mostly or entirely white, their ends black, sometimes tipped with 
white. L., 19-00; W„ 10-50; Tar., 1-50 ; B., 1-40. 

Range— -North America ; breeds in the interior regularly from Minnesota 
northward, and casually as far south as Texas ; not known to breed on the 
Atlantic coast; winters from open water south to Central America and north- 
ern South America. 

Washington, common W. K., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, uncommon T. V., 
Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 11 to Apl. 12 ; Oct. 4 to Oct, 28. 

Eggs, seven to twelve, buffy white, 2*05 x 1*50. 

Colonel N. S. Goss writes that, as a rule, Widgeons are " not shy, 
and their note, a sort of whew, whew, whew, uttered while feeding and 
swimming, enables the hunter to locate them in the thickest growth 
of water plants ; and when in the air the whistling noise made by their 
wings heralds their approach.'* They are fond of wild celery, which 
they procure by robbing the Canvasback and other diving Ducks, 
"snatching their catch from their bills the moment their heads appear 
above the water." 

139. Anas carolinensis Gmel. Green-winged Teal. Ad. 8 . 
— Chin black, sides of the head from the eye to the nape shining green, rest 
of the head and neck rufous-chestnut ; breast washed with vinaceous and 
spotted with black ; belly white ; sides finely marked with wavy black and 
white lines ; middle under tail-coverts black, lateral ones creamy buff; upper 
back like the sides, lower back grayish fuscous ; a white bar in front of the 
bend of the wing ; wing-coverts brownish gray, tipped with ochraceous buffy. 
Ad. 9 . — Top of the head brownish fuscous, margined with cinnamon ; throat 
and sides of the neck white, finely spotted with black ; breast and sides 
washed with cinnamon and spotted or barred with black ; belly and under 
tail-coverts white, sometimes spotted w r ith black; back fuscous, the feathers 
- with crescent-shaped marks of ochraceous buffy, and bordered with grayish; 
wings as in the male. L., 14*50; W., 7*00 ; Tar., 1-10 : B., 1-35. 

Range. — North America ; breeds from Minnesota and New Brunswick 
northward ; winters from Kansas and Virginia southward to the West Indies 
and Central America. 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, uncommon T. V. 
and W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. ; Sept. 11 to Oct. 28. 
Cambridge, uncommon T. V., Apl.; Sept. to Nov. 

Eggs, six to twelve, buffy white or creamy buff, 1-80 x 1*25. 



RIVER DUCKS. 105 

"In autumn the males usually keep in separate flocks from the 
females and young. Their notes are faint and piping, and their wings 
make a loud whistling during flight. . . ." (B., 13., and R.). 

The European Teal (138. A nas crecca) is of casual occurrence in North 
America. The adult male resembles that of A. carolinensis, but the white 
bar in front of the wing is lacking, and the inner scapulars are creamy buff, 
with a sharply defined black mark on their outer webs. The female can not 
be distinguished from that of A. Caroline nsis. 

140. Anas discors Linn. Blue-winged Teal. Ad. $ . — Crown 
fuscous, chin and sides of the base of the bill black ; a broad white band 
across the front of the head, its hinder margin bordered by black ; rest of the 
head and throat dark ashy with purplish reflections ; breast and belly cinna- 
mon-rufous, thickly spotted with black ; back fuscous, the feathers with cres- 
cents of ochraceous-buif ; lesser and median wing-coverts grayish blue, end 
half of the greater ones white ; speculum green. Ad. ? and 6 in summer. — 
Crown fuscous, lightly margined with grayish ; sides of the head and the 
neck whitish, finely spotted with blackish, except on the throat ; breast and 
belly with less cinnamon wash than in the preceding ; back and wings quite 
similar to the preceding, but ochraceous bars sometimes wanting ; speculum 
darker and greater coverts with less white. L., 1600 ; W., T25 ; Tar., L20; 
B., 1-60. 

Range. — Chiefly eastern North America; breeds from Kansas, northern 
Ohio, and New Brunswick northward ; winters from Virginia and the Lower 
Mississippi Valley to northern South America. 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, common T. V. 
in Sept., rare T. V. in spring. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall, Sept. 24 to 
Oct. 17. Cambridge, rare in spring; very common (at least formerly) Aug. 
to Oct. 

Eggs, six to twelve, buffy white or creamy buff, 1*85 x 1*30. 

This generally silent species flies in densely massed, small flocks, 
which move as one bird. The white face-mark can be discerned at 
some distance, and, in connection with the bird's small size, is a good 
field-mark. 

The Cinnamon Teal (1^1. Anas cyanoptera), a species of western North 
America, sometimes occurs east of the Mississippi. It has been recorded from 
Illinois and Florida. The male has the under parts deep cinnamon; the 
female closely resembles the same sex of our Anas discors. 

142. Spatula; clypeata (Linn.). Shoveler. Ad. 6. — Head and 
neck fuscous, glossed with bluish green ; back and a broken line down the 
back of the lower neck fuscous ; rest of the lower neck and breast white ; 
lower breast and belly rufous-chestnut; upper and under tail-coverts dark 
greenish ; lesser wing-coverts grayish blue, greater ones brownish gray tipped 
with white ; speculum green. Ad. 9 . — Throat buffy white ; head and neck 
streaked with bufl'y and black ; rest of under parts more or less washed with 



106 RIVER DUCKS. 

buffy ochraceous, everywhere indistinctly spotted with fuscous except on the 
middle of the belly ; back fuscous, the feathers with margins and internal 
crescents of whitish and bully ; wing-coverts and speculum much as in the 
male. Im. — The im. 8 is intermediate between the ad. 8 arid 9 ; the im. 9 
resemble the ad. 8 , but the wing-coverts are slaty gray, the speculum with 
little or no green. L., 2000 ; W., 9-50 ; B., 2-50 ; greatest width of B., 1-20. 

Range. — Northern hemisphere ; in America, more common in the interior ; 
breeds regularly from Minnesota northward and locally as far south as Texas ; 
not known to breed in the Atlantic States ; winters from southern Illinois 
and Virginia southward to northern South America. 

Washington, not uncommon W. V. Long Island, rare T. V. Sing Sing, 
A. V., Oct. 

Eggs, six to ten, pale buify white or bluish white, 2-10 x 1*50. 

The Shoveler, like most of the members of this subfamily, is more 
common in the Mississippi Valley than on the coast. It is generally 
a silent bird, but its note in the breeding season is said to be " took, 
took.' 1 It feeds largely by tipping in shallow water. 

143. Dafila acuta {Linn.). Pintail; Speigtail. Ad. 8. — Head 
and throat olive-brown ; back of the neck blackish, bordered by white stripes, 
which pass to the breast ; breast and belly w r hite ; the abdomen faintly and 
the sides strongly marked with wavy lines of black and white ; back some- 
what darker than the sides; scapulars black, bordered or streaked with buify 
white; wing-coverts brownish gray, the greater ones tipped with rufous; 
speculum green ; central tail-feathers glossed with green and much elongated. 
Ad. 9 . — Throat white or whitish, crown and sides of the head streaked with 
blackish and buffy ochraceous, darker above ; breast washed with bully 
ochraceous and spotted with blackish ; belly white ; abdomen more or less 
indistinctly mottled with blackish ; sides with bars and lengthened black 
and white crescents; under wing-coverts fuscous, bordered with whitish/ 
axillars barred or mottled with black ; back fuscous, the feathers with borders, 
bars, or crescents of white or buffy ; speculum grayish brown bordered with 
white. 8 in breeding plumage. — u Similar to ad. 9 , but wings as in spring 
or winter plumage 1 ' (Ridgw.). Im. — The im. 8 is variously intermediate 
between the ad. 8 and 9 ; the im. 9 resembles the ad. 9 , but the under parts 
are more heavily streaked or spotted. L., 8 , 28'00, 9 , 22-00 ; W., 10-00 ; T., 
8 , 7-50, 9 , 3-60 ; B., 2-00. 

Remarks. — The female of this species is a rather obscure-looking bird, but 
may always be known by its broad, sharply pointed central tail-feathers and 
dusky under wing-coverts. 

Range. — Northern hemisphere ; in America, breeds from Iowa and Illinois 
to the Arctic Ocean ; not known to breed on the Atlantic coast ; winters from 
Virginia southward to the Greater Antilles and Central America. 

Washington, W. V., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, very common T. V., Sept. 
15 to Apl. 15 ; a few winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 15 to Apl. 10; 
Sept. 26 to Dec. 4. Cambridge, casual T. V., Apl. ; Sept. and Oct. 

Eggs, eight to twelve, buify white or pale bluish white, 2-20 x 1-50. 



SEA DUCKS. 107 

The Pintail is frequently found associated with the Black Duck 
and Widgeon. As a rule it is voiceless, but is said to utter "a low- 
toned quack at night." The long neck and tail of the male make its 
identification easy even at a distance. 

144. Aix sponsa (Linn.). Wood Duck. Ad. 6 . — A line from the 
hill over the eye, a similar line at the base of the side of the crest, and some 
of the elongated crest-feathers white ; throat, a hand from it up the side of 
the head, and a wider one to the nape, white ; rest of the cheeks and crown 
green with purplish reflections; a white band in front of the wings; breast 
and a spot at either side of the base of the tail purplish chestnut, the former 
spotted with white ; belly white ; sides butf'y ochraceous, linely barred with 
black, the longer flank feathers tipped with wider bars of black and white ; 
back greenish brown; scapulars blacker; speculum steel-blue; primaries 
tipped with greenish blue. — Ad. ? . — Throat and a stripe from the eye back- 
ward white ; crown purplish brown ; sides of the head ashy brown ; breast 
and sides grayish brown streaked with butty ; belly white ; back olive-brown 
glossed with greenish ; inner primaries tipped with greenish blue. Im. — The 
im. 6 resembles the ? . L., 18-50 ; VV\, 9-00 ; Tar., 1-35 ; B., 1-30. 

Range.— North America; breeds from Florida to Hudson Bay, and winters 
southward to southern Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica. 

Washington, uncommon P. R. Long Island, uncommon T. V. and W. V., 
Sept. to Apl. ; rare S. R. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. R. Cambridge, 
common T. V., Mch. and Apl. ; Aug. to Nov. ; a few breed. 

Ned, of grasses, leaves, twigs, etc., in a hole in a tree or stump. Eggs, 
eight to fourteen, pale butty white, 2*05 x 1*50. 

Woodland ponds and forest-bordered streams make a proper setting 
for the grace and beauty of these richly attired birds. Several times 
it has been my fortune to see them in the unconscious enjoyment 
of their secluded homes, and I know of no sight in the bird world 
which so fully satisfies the eye. Alarm them, and with a frightened, 
plaintive whistle, %i oo-eek" they spring from the water and make off 
through the woods. At other times they will swim ahead of one's 
canoe, and, rounding a bend in the stream, go ashore and walk rapidly 
away. 

The young are brought from the nest to the ground in the bill of 
the parent. 

Subfamily Fuligulinm. Bay and Sea Ducks, 

The members of this subfamily are to be distinguished from those 
of the preceding by the presence of a lobe or web on the hind toe. 
They are open-water Ducks, frequenting our large lakes, bays, and sea- 
coasts. Their food consists chiefly of mollusks, crustaceans, and the 
seeds and roots of aquatic plants. They obtain it principally by div- 
ing, sometimes descending one hundred and fifty feet or more. The 



108 SEA DUCKS. 

bill, as in the Anatince, acts as a sieve or strainer. As a rule they feed 
by day and pass the night at a distance from the shore or at sea. Some 
of the species occur in our waters in large flocks — indeed, our most 
abundant Ducks are members of this subfamily. With one exception 
they are northern breeding birds, seldom nesting south of our north- 
ern tier of States. 

. Their nest is composed of twigs, leaves, grasses, stems of aquatic 
plants, seaweed, etc., lined with down from the breast of the incubat- 
ing bird. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Feathers at the base of the bill not reaching -50 forward along its sides. 

A. Wing over 7*00 ; axillars and most if not all the linings of the wings white. 

a. Head and neck black, with greenish or purplish reflections. 
a 1 . Back black ; bill with a bluish band near its tip. 

150. Ring-necked Duck 6 . 
b 1 . Back finely barred with black and white. 

£ 2 . Back of head generally with purplish reflections ; wing generally 
under 8'25 ; nail of bill generally under -25 in width. 

149. Lesser Scaup Duck 6 . 
& 3 . Back of head generally with greenish reflections ; wing gener- 
ally over 8*25 ; nail of bill over -25 in width. 

148. Am. Scaup Duck $ . 

b. Head and neck rufous or rufous-brown, sharply defined from the black 
breast. 

b 1 . Head and upper neck rich rufous; bill 2-00 or under; flanks finely 
barred, like the back 146. Redhead S . 

£ 2 . Head and neck rufous-brown ; crown blackish ; bill over 2-00 ; flanks 
very slightly if at all barred 147. Canvasback $ . 

c. Head and neck brownish or grayish. 
c 1 . A white patch in the wing. 

c 2 . Feathers at base of bill white; wing generally under 8*25 : nail of 

bill generally under *25 in width . . 149. Lesser Scaup Duck 9 . 
c 3 . Feathers at base of bill white; wing generally over 8*25; nail of 

bill generally over *25 in width . . . 148. Am. Scaup Duck 9 - 
d l . No white in wing. 
d*. An indistinct bluish band near the tip of bill ; bill under 2*00. 

d*. Wing under 8*00 150. Ring-necked Duck 9 . 

d*. Wing over 8-00 146. Redhead ? . 

6 2 . No band on bill ; bill over 2*00 147. Canvasback 9 . 

B. Wing over 7*00; axillars and most if not all the under wing-coverts 
blackish. 

a. Head and throat dark steel-blue or steel -green. 

a 1 . Head and throat steel-blue ; white patch at base of bill 1*00 or more 

in height 152. Barrow's Golden-eye $ . 

a 2 . Head and throat steel-green; white patch at base of bill less than 

1-00 in height 151. Am. Golden-eye <$« 



SEA DUCKS. 



109 



b. Whole head and throat brown, sharply defined from the gray or white 

neck; a white patch (speculum) in the wing. 

b l . Nostril nearer the tip than the base of the bill. 

151. Am. Golden-eye 9 . 

b*. Nostril in the middle of the bill . 152. Barrow's Golden-eye 9. 
ft Whole head and neck black 163. Am. Scoter 3. 

d. A white patch on the top of the head and another on the back of the 
neck 166. Surf Scoter 6 . 

e. Middle of crown black, bordered by chestnut ; front half of the face 
white 155. Harlequin Duck 6 . 

f. Head and neck whitish, grayish, or brownish ; no white in the wing. 
/*. Bill over 1-25. 

/*. Feathers on culmen reaching much farther forward than those at 

the sides of the bill 166. Surf Scoter 9 . 

f*. Feathers on culmen reaching little if any beyond those at the sides 

of the bill 163. Am. Scoter 9 . 

g 1 . Bill under 1-25. 

(j*. Central tail-feathers longest, sharply pointed , under tail-coverts 

white 154. Old Squaw. 

(j*. Central tail-feathers not sharply pointed ; under tail-coverts gray- 
ish brown 155. Harlequin Duck, 

C. Wing under 7*00. 

a. Tail-feathers stiff and narrow ; upper tail-coverts very short. 
a 1 . Upper parts mostly rich chestnut-rufous. 

« 2 . Cheeks white 167. Ruddy Duck $. 

a 3 . Cheeks black 168. Masked Duck $. 

b 1 . Upper parrs grayish or brownish, with sometimes rufous markings. 
J 2 . Lining of wing blackish ; under parts grayish. 

168. Masked Duck 9. 
b*. Lining of wing whitish ; under parts grayish. 

167. Ruddy Duck 9 . 

b. Tail-feathers normal ; upper tail-coverts about half as long as tail. 

153. Bufflehead. 
II. Feathers at sides or top of bill extending forward generally as far as nostril. 

A. Feathers on sides of bill not reaching nostril. 

a. Nostril narrow, elongate ; feathers on culmen extending forward in a 
narrow line, a V-shaped mark on throat .... 162. King Eider. 

b. Nostril large, rounded; feathers on culmen not extending forward in a 
narrow line 165. White-winged Scoter. 

B. Feathers on sides of bill extending as far as nostril. 

a. Bare base of bill on top narrow, ending posteriorly in a sharp point. 

159. Greenland Eider. 

b. Bare base of bill on top broad, the posterior end rounded. 

160. Am. Eider. 

The Rufous-crested Duck (14-5. Xetti rufina) is an Old- World species 
which has been taken once in America. The record is based on an immature 
male found in Fulton Market, New York city, which was supposed to have 
been shot on Long" Island. 



HO SEA DUCKS. 

146. Aythya americana (Eyt.). Redhead. Ad. $ .—Head and 
throat bright rufous ; lower neck, breast, back of the neck, and upper back 
black ; rest of the back and scapulars finely barred with wavy black and white 
lines of eg ual width ; .wing-coverts brownish gray; upper tail -coverts black; 
belly white, the lower belly more or less finely barred with black ; under tail- 
coverts black; sides like the back. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts dark grayish brown, 
darker on the rump, the feathers more or less margined with buffy or ashy ; 
sides of the head lighter; upper throat white; neck buffy ochraceous; breast 
and sides grayish brown, more or less washed or margined with buffy or buffy 
ochraceous ; belly white ; lower belly and under tail-coverts tinged with 
ochraceous ; an indistinct bluish-gray band across the end of the bill. L., 
19-00; W\, 8-90; Tar., 1*55; B., 1'85. 

Remarks. — This species is frequently confused with the Canvasback, from 
which it may be distinguished by the characters given under that species. 

The female Redhead is much like the female Ring-neck in coloration ; the 
latter is generally browner, but they can be distinguished with certainty only 
by the difference in their size. 

Range. — North America; breeds from California and Minnesota north- 
ward to the fur countries ; rare on the North Atlantic coast, where it has been 
found breeding only once (Calais, Me.) ; winters from Virginia southward to 
Cuba and Jamaica. 

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, T. V. in irregular numbers, 
Oct. 1 to Apl. 15, few W. V. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 1 to Apl. 24; 
Oct. 12 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, casual; one instance, Oct. 

JVest, on the ground in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Eggs, six to 
twelve, buffy white, 2*40 x 1-70. 

The Ducks of the genus Aythya possess to some extent the habits 
of both the River Ducks and true Sea Ducks. They are divers in deep 
water, but along the shores or in shallow water they are also '* dab- 
blers.'' On our coasts the Redhead is a Bay Duck, and feeds in salt 
and brackish water. 

147. Aythya vallisneria (Wils.). Canvasback. Ad. 8 .—Head 
and neck rufous-brown, the chin and crown generally blackish ; breast and 
upper back black ; rest of the back and generally wing-coverts finely barred 
with wavy lines of black and white, the white lines the wider ; belly white ; 
lower belly more or less finely barred with black ; upper and under tail-cov- 
erts black ; sides white, much less lightly barred with wavy black lines than 
the back, or even entirely without bars. Ad. 9 . — Head, neck, upper breast, 
and upper back cinnamon, the throat lighter, and, with the front parts of the 
head, more or less washed with rufous; back grayish brown, the feathers 
more or less barred with wavy white lines; belly white or grayish white; 
sides the same or grayish brown, generally marked like the back. L., 21*00; 
W., 900 ; Tar., 1*60 ; B., 2-40. 

Remarks. — This species is sometimes mistaken for the Redhead, to which 
it bears a general resemblance. The males of the two species may be distin- 
guished (1) by the color of the head and neck, which is rufous- in the Red- 



SEA DUCKS. Ill 

head and rufous-brown in the Canvasback; (2) by the generally blaekish 
chin and crown of the Canvasback, these parts in the Bedhead being colored 
like the rest of the head; (3) by the difference in the markings of the back, 
wing-coverts, and sides; and (4) by the ditterence in the size and shape of the 
bill, as shown by the accompanying measurements. The females of the two 
species may be at once distinguished by the color of the back, which in the 
Canvasback is finely barred with wavy white lines, markings which do not 
appear on the back of the female Redhead. 

Range. — North America ; breeds only in the interior, from Minnesota to 
the Arctic Circle ; rare on the Atlantic coast north of Delaware ; winters from 
the Chesapeake Bay to the Greater Antilles. 

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, rare T. V. Sing Sing, rare T. V., 
Oct. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Eggs, six to 
ten, butty white with a bluish tinge, 2*40 x L70. 

There's much in a name. The reputation of the Canvasback, among 
gourmands, is too firmly established to be questioned ; but, given the 
same chef, and half a dozen of our Ducks can be made to do duty for 
this favorite of epicures. In some parts of the west, where folks have 
a way of thinking for themselves, the Canvasback is frankly placed 
second to his cousin the Redhead. 

The Canvasback is at its best when the bird has been for some time 
feeding on wild celery — a diet which equally improves the flesh of 
other species. 

148. Aythya marila nearctica Stejn, Am. Scaup Duck: Greater 
Scalp Duck ; Broadbill ; Bluebill ; Blackhead. Ad. 6 . — Head, neck, 
breast, and upper back black, the top and sides of the head with generally 
green ish reflections ; back and scapulars with wavy black and white bars ; 
speculum white; upper and under tail-coverts black; belly white; lower 
belly strongly and sides faintly marked with wavy black bars. Ad. 9 . — 
Eegion around the base of the bill white ; head, neck, breast, and upper back 
umber, margined with ochraceous on the breast; back and scapulars fuscous- 
brown ; sides dark grayish brown, both generally marked with fine, wavy 
bars of white; speculum and belly white. 8 L., 18-50 ; W., 8*75; Tar., 1*40; 
B., 1-65; greatest width of B., 1-00. 9 L., 17*50; AY., 8'2o; Tar., 1-36; B., 
r<;5; greatest width of B., 1*00. 

Range. — Xorth America; breeds in the interior rarely from Minnesota 
and regularly from Manitoba northward to Alaska; reported on the Atlan- 
tic from as far north as Greenland, but not known to breed and not common 
north of Massachusetts ; winters from Long Island to northern South America. 

Washington, rather common W. V. Long Island, abundant T. V., Sept. 
25 to May 1, some winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 22 to A pi. 13; 
Oct. 4 to Dec. 3* 

* The presence or absence of Ducks in the winter depends upon whether thp 
river is frozen or open. 



112 SEA DUCKS. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Eggs, six to 
ten, pale olive-bull', 2-54 x 1*71. 

This is one of our most common Bay Ducks. While with us it 
seems to prefer salt and brackish water. It feeds largely on mollusks, 
which it obtains by diving. Its note is said to be a discordant 
scaup. 

149* Aythya affinis (Eyt.). Lesser Scaup Duck; Little Black- 
head ; Little Bluebill ; Creek Broadbill. Ad. S . — Similar to the pre- 
ceding species but smaller, the head, as a rule, glossed with purplish instead 
of greenish, and the flanks strongly instead of faintly marked with wavy 
black bars. Ad. 9 . — Similar to the 9 of the preceding species, but smaller. 
6 L., 16-50; W., 8-00; Tar., 1/35 ; B., 1'60; greatest width of B., -95. 9 L., 
16-50; W., 7-60; Tar., 1-30; B., 1*55; greatest width of B., -90. 

Remarks. — The Scaup Ducks resemble each other so closely that it is 
sometimes impossible to tell them apart, but they may generally be distin- 
guished by the characters given above. 

Range. — North America; breeds only in the interior, rarely from Iowa 
and commonly from Manitoba northward; not common on the Atlantic coast 
north of Massachusetts ; winters from Virginia to the Greater Antilles. 

Washington, not uncommon W. R., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, common T. 
V. Sing Sing, common T. V., Jan. 28 to Apl. 12 ; Aug. 31 to Nov. Cam- 
bridge, common in Oct. and Nov. ; rare in spring. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs and marshy lake sides. Eggs, six 
to ten, similar in color to those of the preceding, 2-25 x 1-58. 

This species has much the same habits as the preceding, but is more 
often found in fresh water, and I think is more southern in its distri- 
bution during the winter. It is by far the most abundant Duck in 
Florida waters at that season, where it occurs in enormous flocks in 
the rivers and bays along the coasts. 

150. Aythya collaris (Donov.). Ring-necked Duck. Ad. $. — 
Chin white ; head, neck, breast, and upper back black, the head with bluish 
reflections, the neck with a not sharply defined chestnut collar ; back and 
scapulars black, speculum gray ; upper and under tail-coverts black, belly 
white, lower belly and sides finely barred with wavy black lines; bill black, 
the base and a band across the end bluish gray. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts fus- 
cous brown, more or less margined with ochraceous ; speculum gray ; sides of 
the head and neck mixed grayish brown and white; breast, sides, and lower 
belly grayish brown, more or less margined with ochraceous; upper belly 
white or whitish ; bill blackish, an indistinct band of bluish gray across its 
end. L., 16-50; W., 7-50; Tar., 1-25; B., 1-80. 

Remarks. — The male Ring-neck may be known from any of its allies by 
its chestnut collar and other excellent characters; the female resembles the 
female Bedhead, but is smaller and generally browner. 

Range. — North America, breeding only in the interior from Iowa north- 
ward ; not common on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia. 



SEA DUCKS. 113 

Washington, not rare, W. V. Long Island, A. V. Sing Sing, A. V., Apl. 
Cambridge, casual ; one instance, Nov. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Eggs, six co 
twelve, similar in color to those of the two preceding species, 2*28 x 1-63. 

This is more of a fresh-water bird than either of the preceding. It 
is not common in the Atlantic States north of Florida, where during 
the winter it is abundant on fresh-water lakes. 

151. Glaucionetta clangula americana (Bonap.). American 
Goldex-eye ; Whistles. Ad. 6. — Head and throat dark, glossy green, a 
circular white patch at the base of the bill measuring, along the bill, less 
than half an inch in height; neck all around, breast, belly, exposed part of 
wing-coverts, speculum, and most of the scapulars white; rest of plumage 
black. Ad. ? . — Head and throat cinnamon-brown, fore neck white ; upper 
breast, back, and sides ashy gray bordered with grayish ; wing-coverts tipped 
with white ; speculum, lower breast, and belly white. L., 20*00 ; W., 9-00 ; B. 
from anterior margin of white patch to anterior margin of nostril, 1-00; from 
anterior margin of nostril to tip. "75. 

Range. — North America, breeding from Manitoba and Maine northward, 
and wintering from the southern limit of its breeding range to Cuba. 

Washington, not rare, W. V. Long Island, common T. V. and W. V., 
Nov. 15 to Apl. 15. Sing Sing, common T. V. and W. V., Nov. to May. 
Cambridge, rather common, Oct. and Nov. 

Nest, in a stump or hollow tree. Eggs, six to ten, pale bluish, 2*35 x 1-75. 

The rapidly moving wings of most Ducks make a whistling sound, 
but this species excels in wing music. As a diver it can also claim 
high rank. 

152. Glaucionetta islandica ( GmelX Barrow's Golden-eye. 
Ad. i .—Head and throat dark, glossy, purplish. Uue. an irregular, somewhat 
spread-wing-shapcd white patch at the base of the bill measuring, along the 
bill, about one inch in height ; neck all around, breast, belly, speculum, lesser 
wing-coverts, ends of greater ones, and the shaft part of the scapulars white; 
rest of the plumage black. Ad. 9 .—Resembles the 9 of the preceding species 
in color; there is some difference in the size and proportions of the bill, but 
the two birds can not always be distinguished with certainty. W.. 9-25; B. 
from anterior margin of white patch to anterior margin of nostril, -80; from 
anterior margin of nostril to tip, -66. 

Remarks.— The males of this and the preceding species may always be 
distinguished by the difference in the color of the head and size and shape of 
the white spot at the base of the bill. 

Range.— Breeds in the far north— Greenland. Iceland, and Alaska— and 
southward in the Rocky Mountains; winters as far south as Illinois and Vir- 
ginia. 

Washington, A. V., one record. Long- Island, A. V. 

Kest, in a stump or hollow tree. Eggs, six to ten, pale bluish, 2'40 x 170. 
9 



114 SEA DUCKS. 

A more northern species than the preceding, which it resembles in 
habits. 

153. Charitonetta albeola (Z inn.). Buffleiiead; Butter-ball; 
Spirit Duck. Ad. 6 . — A broad white band passes around the back of the 
bead from eye to eye ; rest of the head, upper neck, and throat beautifully 
glossed with purple, greenish, and bluish ; lower neck all around, breast, belly, 
wing-coverts, speculum, and outer scapulars white; back black; upper tail- 
coverts and tail ashy-grayish. Ad. 9 . — A white patch on either side of the 
head, throat, and entire upper parts fuscous-brown; speculum, breast, and 
belly white. L., 14-75 ; W., 6-50 ; Tar., 1*25 ; B., 1-05. 

Range.— North America; breeds from Iowa and Maine northward ; win- 
ters from near the southern limit of its breeding range to the West Indies and 
Mexico. 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, common T. V. 
and W. V., Oct. 1 to Apl. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V. Cambridge, 
common in Oct. and Nov. 

Nest) in a stump or hollow tree. Eggs, six to twelve, dull light buff, 
1-98 x 1-46 (Ridgw.). 

This small Duck has won deserved distinction through its powers 
as a diver. Like the Grebes, it " dives at the flash," though this well- 
worn expression has lost half its meaning since flintlocks and percus- 
sion caps have become things of the past. The Bufflehead feeds to 
some extent on small fish, which it pursues and catches under water. 

154. Clangula hyemalis (Linn.). Old Squaw ; Old Wife; South 
Southerly. Ad. $ in winter. — Sides of the front of the head washed with 
grayish brown; sides of the back of the head and sides of the upper neck 
black, more or less margined with oehraceous; rest of the head, neck all 
around, upper back, scapulars, and lower belly white ; hack, breast, and 
upper belly black ; tail pointed, the middle feathers very long and narrow ; 
band across the end of the bill yellowish orange. Ad. 8 in summer. — Sides 
of the front of the head white; crest of the head, neck, throat, breast, and 
upper belly black ; back and scapulars black, the latter margined with dark 
buffy oehraceous; lower belly white; tail and bill as in the preceding. 9 in. 
winter. — Upper parts black or fuscous; scapulars and upper back more or 
less margined with grayish or grayish brown ; sides of the head and neck 
and sometimes the back of the neck white or whitish ; breast grayish ; belly 
white; tail pointed, but without the long feathers of the male; under wing- 
coverts dark. .!</. 9 in summer.— Generally similar to the above, but the 
sides of the head and throat mostly blackish, and the feathers of the upper 
parts more or less margined with oehraceous. L., $ , 21*00, 9 , 16*00 ; W., 8*60; 
T.. $, s-oo, 9, 2-50; B., 1-05. 

Remarks. — The male old Squaw is too distinct to be confused with any 
other species, its long tail-feathers being its most striking eharaeter; the 
female bears some resemblance to the female of the Harlequin Duek, but has 
the belly pure white instead of irravish duskv. 



SEA DUCKS. 115 

Range. — Northern hemisphere ; breeds in the far north, and, in America, 
winter.*- m far south as the upper Mississippi Valley and Virginia. 

hington, rare \V. V., Nov. to Apl. Long Island, abundant W. V., 
1 to Apl. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common W. V., Dec. 4 to Apl. G. 
Cambridge, rather common in Oct. and Nov. 

ft, on the ground near water, under low bushes or tall grasses. Eggs, 
six to twelve, pale bluish tinged with olive, 2-05 x 1*49. 

In The Auk for 1802, pp. 330-337, Mr. George H. Mackay gives a 
capital account of the habits of this species in our waters. He spjeaks 
of them as the swiftest flying as well as the noisiest (in the spring; of 
all the sea fowl which tarry with us, and gives their curious scolding or 
talking notes as o-onc-o-onr-ongh, egh-oiigh-egh. Their flight is gen- 
erally near the water, and when shot at while flying they sometimes 
dive from the wing. He also mentions their habit of towering. * usually 
in the afternoon, collecting in mild weather in large flocks if undis- 
turbed, and going up in circles so high as to be scarcely discernible, 
often coming down with a rush and great velocity, a portion of the 
flock scattering and coming down in a zigzag course similar to the 
Scoters when whistled down."' 

155. Histrionicus histrionicus L h " Harlequin Duck. Ad.t. 
^Center of the crown black, margined by white and rufous : front of the - 

of the head, a spot on the ear, a stripe back of it, and a collar around the back 
and sides of the neck white : rest of the head and throat rich slaty blue ; a 
band in front of the wingr white, margined with black ; inner scapulars white ; 
back and breast bluish slate ; belly - - les rufous-chestnut. Ad. j — 

Front of the head whitish; a white spot on the ears: upper parts brownish 
DB : throat, breast, and sides lighter : belly grayish brown, margined with 
whitish. L.. 17-00 : W- :•"" : Tar.. 150 : B.. 1-05. 

Northern North America, breeding from Newfoundland, the 
northern Koeky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada, northward; south in 
winter to the Middle States and California " | A. O. U. . 
Loner Island, rare "W. V. 

m the ground or in hollow stumps near water. Eggs, six to eight, 
yellowish buff or greenish yellow. - - D* 

Unlike other members of this subfamily, this species passes the 
breeding season on rapid dashing streams, but during the winter it 
occurs as a Sea Duck off our more northern coasts. 

156. Camptolaimus labradorius Labrador Duck: 
Pied Dfck. Ad. > .-Center of crown black : rest of head, throat, and upper 
neck white : a black band around the lower neck connected behind with the 
black back: primaries fuscous, rest of wing white: front ai f the 
upper breast white, lower breast and belly black. Brownish . 
the speculum white. Im. > .-Lik * the throat and en 

the greater wing-coverts white. L.. 20 00 : W n Mfl : Tar.. 1 "0 : B 



116 SEA DUCKS. 

Range. — Formerly, North Atlantic coast, breeding from Labrador north- 
ward, and in winter migrating southward to Long Island; doubtless now 
extinct. 

In a recent paper* on this species Mr. William Dutcher quotes 
the late Mr. George N. Lawrence, as follows : " I recollect that 
about forty or more years ago it was not unusual to see them in 
Fulton Market, and without doubt killed on Long Island; at one 
time I remember seeing six fine males, which hung in the market 
until spoiled for want of a purchaser ; they were not considered de- 
sirable for the table, and collectors had a sufficient number, at that 
time a pair being considered enough to represent a species in a col- 
lection." 

The cause of this Duck's extinction is unknown. The last speci- 
men, so far as known, was taken at Grand Menan in 1871. f Forty-two 
specimens have been recorded as existing in collections. 

Steller's Duck (157. Emconetta stelleri), an arctic species, was observed 
by Kumlien in Greenland. 

159. Somateria mollissima borealis (Brehm). Greenland 

Eider. Ad. 6 . — Top of the head black, a greenish white line on the crown ; 
rest of the head, throat, neck, upper breast, back, scapulars, and lesser wing- 
coverts white, tinged with greenish on the sides and back of the head, and 
with vinaceous on the breast; middle of the rump, upper and under tail- 
coverts, lower breast, and belly black. Ad. 9 .—Head, throat, and neck buffy 
ochraceous, darker above and streaked with black; back black, the feathers 
all widely margined and sometimes partly barred with buffy ochraceous; 
breast buffy ochraceous, barred with black ; belly grayish brown or olive- 
brown, indistinctly margined or barred with buffy. Im.— Similar, but dis- 
tinctly marked with buffy. L., 23-00 ; W., 11-00 ; Tar., 1-80 ; B., 2-10. 

Range. — Breeds from Labrador northward ; winters southward to Maine. 

Nest) on the ground, amid coarse herbage and rocks. Eggs, five to eight, 
pale bluish or greenish, tinged with olive, 2-95 x 2*00. 

This is the American representative of the Eider Duck of north- 
ern Europe, from which it differs only slightly. The highly prized 
Eider down is taken from the nest of this bird and its allies. As in- 
cubation progresses the sitting bird plucks the down from her breast 
to serve as a nest lining. In Iceland, according to Saunders, the aver- 
age yield from each nest is about one sixth of a pound. When the 
females begin to sit the males leave them and, gathering in small 
flocks, live at sea. 

160. Somateria dresseri Sharpe. American Eider. Kesembles 
the preceding in color, but differs in the feathering of the base of the cul- 



* The Auk, vol. viii, 1891, pp. 201-216. t Ibid., vol. xi, 1894, pp. 4-12. 



SEA DUCKS. 117 

men. In both species the culmen is divided by a wedge of feathers reaching 
forward from the forehead. Looked at from the tip of the bill, the base of 
the culmen is thus V-shaped. In dresseri the arms of the V are very broad 
and rounded at the ends, while in borealis they are much narrower and gen- 
erally pointed at the ends. L., 23-00 ; W., 1 1-30 ; Tar., 1-70 ; B., 2-10. 

Range. — Breeds from the Bay of Fundy to Labrador ; winters southward 
to Delaware ; occasional in winter on the Great Lakes. 

Long Island, rare W. V. Sing Sing, A. V., Dec. 

Nest, on the ground, generally sheltered by rocks. Eggs, five to eight, 
pale bluish or greenish, tinged with olive, 3-00 x 2-00. 

This species is of more southern distribution than the preceding, 
which it resembles in habits. During their visits to the coasts of the 
United States the Eiders are true Sea Ducks, living some distance off 
shore, generally over a bed of mussels, which they secure by diving, 
and which constitute their chief food. 

162. Somateria spectabilis {Linn.). King Eider. Ad, & .— 
Kegion about the base of the upper mandible and a large V-shaped mark on 
the throat black ; top of the head bluish gray ; cheeks greenish ; neck all 
around white; front and sides of the breast creamy bull'; upper back, sides 
of the rump, and wing-coverts w^hite ; rest of the plumage black. Ad. $ . — 
Head and throat buify ochraceous, the former streaked with black; back 
black, the feathers widely margined with ochraceous or rufous ; under parts 
varying from brownish gray to fuscous, more or less washed, especially on 
the breast, with ochraceous or rufous. Im — Paler and with less ochraceous. 
L., 23-00 ; W., 10-80 ; Tar., 1-80 ; B., 1-30. 

Remarks. — The adult male of this species may at once be known by its 
bluish-gray head and the V-shaped mark on its throat. Females and young 
birds resemble those of the two preceding species, but are to be distinguished 
by the generally unstreaked throat and the feathering of the side of the base 
of the bill, which in this species does not, as in the two preceding, reach to 
the nostril. 

Range. — Breeds from Gulf of St. LawTence northward, and winters south- 
ward more or less regularly to Long Island and the Great Lakes ; casually as 
far as Virginia, and on one occasion Georgia. 

Long Island, regular W. V. 

Nest, on the ground, among rocks or herbage. Eggs, six to ten, light olive- 
gray to grayish green, 3-12 x 1*92 (Davie). 

While in our waters this species does not differ from the preceding 
in habits. 

163. Oidemia americana Sw. and Rich. American Scoter; 
Black Coot. Ad. 6 .—Entire plumage black, feathers on the side of the bill 
extending little if any forward beyond the corner of the mouth ; bill black ; 
upper mandible orange or yellowish at the base. L., 19*00; W., 9*00; Tar., 
1*70; B. along culmen, 1*75 ; B. along side, T85. 

Range.— Coasts and larger lakes of northern North America; breeds in 



118 SEA DUCKS. 

Labrador and the northern interior ; south in winter to Virginia, the Great 
Lakes, and California. 

Washington, casual W. V. Long Island, common W. V., Oct. through 
Apl. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. Cambridge, occasional in fall. 

KesU on the ground, near water. Eggs, " six to ten, pale dull buff or pale 
brownish buff, 2-55 x 1-80" (Kidgw.). 

All three species of Surf Scoters, or " Coots/' are abundant winter 
residents off the coasts of the New England and northern Middle 
States. At this time their habits are practically alike — indeed, they 
are often found associated. As a rule, they frequent only the sea 
and its estuaries, where they live over beds of mussels, clams, or 
scallops, which they obtain by diving; but they are sometimes found 
in ponds near the coast, where food of this nature is abundant. 

In The Auk for 1891, pp. 279-290, Mr. George H. Mackay gives the 
results of a long-continued study of Scoters on the Massachusetts 
coast. 

The Velvet Scoter {164. Oidemia fusca) is an Old- World species which 
has been recorded from Greenland. 

165. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. White-winged Scoter; White- 
winged Coot. Ad. $ . — A spot below the eye and the speculum wliite, rest 
of the plumage black ; bill orange-black at the base, the feathers on it reach- 
ing forward far beyond the corners of the mouth. Jm. $ . — Grayish or fus- 
cous-brown, lighter below ; speculum white, feathers at the base of the upper 
bill and a spot on the ears whitish. Ad. in winter and Jm. 9 .—Similar to 
the preceding, but generally without whitish spots on the head. L., 22 - 00 ; 
W., 11-00 ; Tar., 2-00 ; B. along culmen, 1-50 ; B. along side, 1-55. 

Remarks. — The white speculum and feathering of the bill will always 
serve to distinguish this species from its allies. 

Range. — Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the fur 
countries ; south in winter to Virginia, southern Illinois, and California. 

Washington, casual W. V., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, abundant W. V., 
Sept. 15 to May 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V. Cambridge, occa- 
sional in fall. 

Nest, on the ground, beneath bushes, frequently some distance from water. 
Eggs, " six to ten, pale dull buff, varying to cream-color, 2-68 x 1'83 " (Ridgw.). 

166. Oidemia perspicillata {Linn.). Surf Scoter; Sea Coot. 
Ad. 6 . — A square mark on the crown and a triangular one on the nape white, 
rest of the plumage black ; bill orange-yellow, a large circular black spot on 
its side at the base ; feathers on the culmen extending nearly to a level with 
the nostril, feathers on the side of the bill not extending forward. Ad. 9 
and Irn.—A whitish spot at the base of the bill and on the ears ; upper parts 
fuscous brown ; throat, breast, sides, and lower belly grayer, belly white. L., 
20-00 ; W., 9-30 ; Tar., 1*60 ; B. along culmen, 1-55 ; B. along side, 2-30. 

Remarks.— The forward extension of the feathers on the culmen will 



GEESE. U9 

always distinguish this species from O. americana, while it may be known 
from deglandi by the absence of white in the wings. 

Range. — Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward; winters south- 
ward to the Great Lakes and Virginia, and casually to Florida. 

Washington, casual W. V. Long Island, common W. V., Oct. through 
Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Oct. 7 to Oct. 22. Cambridge, occasional 
in fall. 

Nest, in tall grasses near water. -Eggs, "five to eight, pale buff or pale 
creamy buff, 2*47 x 170 " (Kidgw.). 

167. Erismatura rubida ( Wils.). Ruddy Duck. Ad. s .— Top oi 

the head black, cheeks and chin white, throat and back rufous-chestnut, 
lower back blackish; breast and belly silvery white; upper tail-coverts very 
short, tail-feathers stiff and pointed. Ad,. 9 and Im. — Upper parts dark gray- 
ish brown, the feathers marked with fine wavy bars of bully ; sides of the 
head and upper throat whitish, lower throat grayish, rest of the under parts 
silvery white. L., 15-00 ; W., 5-90 ; Tar., 1-15; B., 1-55. 

Remarks. — The short upper tail-coverts and stiff, pointed tail-feathers will 
always serve to identify this species. 

Range. — Of general distribution from northern South America to the fur 
countries, breeding largely northward, but locally throughout its range 
(Granada, Wells ; Guatemala, Salvin ; Cuba, Gundlach ; Cape Cod, Miller). 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, irregular T. V. 
Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 14 to Apl. 6 ; Oct. 5 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, 
very common in Oct. and Nov. 

JVestj in a slough or marshy place, generally on a mass of floating vegeta- 
tion. Eggs, six to ten, creamy or buffy white, 2-50 x 1-80. 

" When rising from the water, it runs on the surface for some dis 
tance, and generally against the wind. If it can not command a fair 
open space for flight, it will dive, using its tail either as a rudder or as 
a paddle in a vertical motion, and will hide itself away among the 
grass and sedges. When on the wing, it flies low along the surface of 
the water, with a rapid beat of its broad wings, making a short, plump 
figure quite uncommon for a Duck ; and it generally flies quite a dis- 
tance before alighting '' (Langiile). In swimming, the tail is sometimes 
held erect at right angles to the body. . 

The Masked Duck (168. Nbmonyx dominicus) is a tropical specios of 
rare occurrence in North America. Single specimens have been taken in 
Wisconsin, New York, and near Cambridge, Mass. 

Subfamily Anserince. Geese. 

Geese are vegetarians. When on the water, they feed largely by 
tipping, as with head and neck immersed and tail pointing skyward 
they search for the roots or seeds of aquatic plants. They are far 
more terrestrial than Ducks, and visit the land to nip the herbage, 



120 GEESE. 

young corn, or cereals. When wounded, they dive readily and, with 
their body just below the surface of the water and only the bill ex- 
posed, head for the shore, whore they attempt to hide in the vegetation. 
In migrating, the flock is formed in a V-shaped wedge, the lead, it 
is said, being taken by an old gander. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Whole head or forehead white. 

A. Bill yellowish. 

a. Forehead and feathers at the base of bill white. 

171a. Am. White-fronted Goose (Ad.). 

b. Head and neck white or grayish, sometimes tinged with rusty. 
b 1 . Primaries black, rest of plumage white. 

169. Lesser Snow Goose. 109a. Greater Snow Goose. 
b*. Back grayish brown, rump and belly whitish, wing-coverts and 
tertials widely margined with white. . . . 169. Lesser Snow 
Goose (Im.). 169«. Greater Snow Goose (Im.). 
l>*. Back grayish brown, rump, belly, and wing-coverts gray, the lat- 
ter not conspicuously margined with white. 

169.1. Blue Goose (Ad.). 

B. Bill black, throat and sides of the head white, lores black. 

175. Barnacle Goose. 
II. Head and neck brown, bill yellow or yellowish. 

A. Nail of bill black, rump fuscous. 

171 a. Am. White-fronted Goose (Im.). 

B. Nail of bill yellow, rump gray 169.1. Blue Goose (Im.). 

III. Head black or brownish black, bill black. 

A. Throat white . . . 172. Canada Goose. 172«. Hutciiins's Goose. 

B. Throat black or brownish black, neck speckled with white. 

a. Belly white 173. Brant. 

b. Belly brownish gray 174. Black Brant. 

169. Chen hyperborea {Pall). Lesser Snow Goose. Ad.— En- 
tire plumage, except the primaries with their coverts, white; primaries black, 
their bases and coverts ashy. Im. — u Head, neck, and upper parts pale gray- 
ish, the feathers of the latter with whitish edges and (especially wing-coverts 
and tertials) striped medially with darker; rump, upper tail-coverts, tail, and 
lower parts plain white. L., 23-00-28-00; W., 14-50-17-00; B., 1-05-2-30; 
Tar., 2-80-3-25 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Western North America, breeding in Alaska and migrating south- 
ward to the Gulf; rarely found east of the Mississippi. 

Egg*, uniform dirty, chalky white, 3-40 x 2-20 (B., B., and K.). 

169a. C. h. nivalis (Ford.). Greater Snow Goose.— Resembles the 
preceding in color, but is larger. L., 30-00-38*00; \V\, 17-35-17'50; B., 2*55- 
2-70; Tar., 3-15-3-50 (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the far north (exact breed- 
ing range unknown); winters from Chesapeake Bay to Cuba; rare on the 
Atlantic coast north of Virginia. 



GEESE. 121 

Long Island, irregular from Oct to A pi. Sing Sing, A. V., A pi. 
Nest and eggs unknown. 

The Snow Goose does not appear to be a common bird on any part 
of the Atlantic coast. It migrates both by night and day, and when 
on the wing its white plumage and black-tipped primaries render it 
easily identifiable. It is a noisier bird than the Canada Goose, and its 
voice is higher and more cackling. 

169.1. Chen cserulescens (Linn.). Blue Goose. Ad.— Bead and 
upper neck white ; middle of the hind neck sometimes blackish, lower neck all 
around fuscous, rest of under parts brownish gray edged with bully ; the lower 
belly generally paler, sometimes white; upper back and scapulars like the 
breast; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts gray ; tail fuscous gray edged 
with whitish; wing-coverts like the rump or slightly darker, with little or 
no whitish margins; wing-quills and tertials fuscous, the latter more or less 
margined with whitish. Im. — "Similar to adult, but head and neck uniform 
deep grayish brown, only the chin being white. L., 26*50-30-00 ; W., 1500- 
17-00; B., 2-10-2-30; Tar., 3-00-3-30" (Ridgw.). 

Range. — North America; breeds in the Hudson Bay region and migrates 
southward, chiefly through the interior, to Texas, 

Long Island, A. V. 

Nest and eggs unknown. 

The Blue Goose is apparently nowhere a common bird, and on the 
Atlantic coast it is even less common than in the interior. It was at 
one time supposed to be the young of the Snow Goose, which it doubt- 
less resembles in habits. 

171a. Anser albifrons g-ambeli {JTartl.). American White- 
fronted Goose. Ad. — Forehead and region bordering the base of the bill 
white; upper parts and foreneck grayish brown, more or less margined on 
the back with lighter; longer and lateral upper tail-coverts white; breast 
somewhat lighter than the throat, more or less irregularly marked with black, 
and fading gradually into pure white on the lower belly ; sides like the back. 
Im. — Similar, but no white at the base of the bill or black marks on the 
breast ; nail of the bill black. " L., 27*00-30-00 ; W., 14-25-17-50 ; B., 1-80-2-35 ; 
depth of mandible at base, -90-1*20 ; width, -85-1-05 ; Tar., 2*60-3-20 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — u North America, breeding far northward ; in winter south to 
Mexico and Cuba" (A. O. U.) ; rare on the Atlantic coast. 

Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, on the ground, of grasses lined with down. Eggs, six to seven, dull 
greenish yellow with obscure darker tints, 3*10 x 2-07 (Davie). 

" These birds are rarely met with on the Atlantic coast, but are 
quite common in the Mississippi Valley and abundant on the Pacific 
slope. They prefer low, wet grounds in the vicinity of timber, or 
where the prairie is dotted here and there with bushes; and, while 
they occasionally forage off the wheat fields and other grains on the 



122 GEESE. 

bottom lands, they seldom visit the high, dry prairies like the Snow 
and Canada Geese " (Goss). 

The European White-fronted Goose (171. Anser albifrons) resembles 
its American representative in color, but averages smaller. It is American 
only as it occurs in Greenland, where gambeli is apparently unknown. 

- 172. Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. Ad.— Throat 
and a large patch on the side of the head behind the eye white or whitish ; 
chin and rest of the head and neck black ; back and wings grayish brown, more 
or less edged with lighter; tail and shorter upper tail-coverts black, longer 
and lateral ones white ; breast and belly grayish, fading to white on the lower 
belly ; sides like the back. Im— Similar, but throat and cheeks sometimes 
mixed with blackish. "L., 35-00-13-00; W., 15-60-21-00 ; Tar., 2-45-3-70; B., 
1-55-2-70 " (Kidgw.). 

Range. — Temperate North America; breeds in the northern United States 
and British provinces ; south in winter to Mexico. 

Washington, W. V. and rather common T. V., Oct. to A pi. Long Island, 
common T. V., Mch. and Apl. ; Oct., some W. V. Sing Sing, tolerably com- 
mon T. V., Mch. 11 to May 21 ; Oct. Cambridge, common T. V., Mch. and 
Apl.; Oct. to Dec. 

Ntst, of sticks lined with down, on the ground in the open prairie, on 
the shores of streams, on tree stumps and sometimes in trees, when a de- 
serted nest of the Osprey is generally used. Eggs, four to five, butfy w r hite, 
3-50 x 2-35. 

Probably the migration of no bird attracts more universal interest 
than that of the Wild Goose. Ornithologists talk of " waves " and 
"flights''' of migrants passing in the night, but the biannual pilgrim- 
age of the Canada Goose appeals to us all with the directness of a per- 
sonal experience. We see the living wedge of long-necked birds pass- 
ing high overhead; the unbroken sound-waves bring the sonorous 
" honks " with unexpected distinctness to our ears ; and we receive an 
impressive lesson in the migration of birds. They are embarked on a 
journey of several thousand miles, but they come and go as surely as 
though they carried chart and compass. 

172a. B. c. hutchinsii (Sw. & Rich.). Hutchins's Goose.— Kesem- 
bles the preceding in color, but averages smaller. L., 25-00-34-00; W., 14*75- 
17*75; Tar., 2-25-3-20; B., 1-20-1-90 (Ridgw.). 

Range.—'- 1 ' North America, breeding in the arctic regions, and migrating 
south in winter chiefly through the western United States and Mississippi 
Valley ; eastern Asia" (A. O. U.). 

Long Island, A. V. 

172c. B. c. minima Ridgw. Cackling Goose.— To be distinguished 
from the two preceding by its smaller size and the much darker brownish- 
gray color of the breast and upper belly. u W., 13-G0-14-50 ; Tar., 2-40-2-75; 
B., -95-1-15" (Kidgw.). 



GEESE. 123 

J?ar.?«. — Pacific coast of North America, breeding chiefly about the shores 
of Norton Sound and the lower Yukon; south in winter to California, and, 
more rarely, to upper Mississippi Valley (Wisconsin, etc.) (Ridgw.). 

173. Branta bernicla (Linn.). Brant. Ad.— Head, neck, throat, 
and upper breast black ; sides of the neck speckled with white ; back brown- 
ish gray, margined with grayish brown; longer and lateral upper tail-coverts 
white ; lower breast ashy gray fading to white on the lower belly ; sides 
darker. Im. — Similar, but with less white on the sides of the neck and 
wing-coverts, and secondaries tipped with white. L., 20-00; W., 13-20; Tar., 
Sr20; B.. 1-35. 

Range. — Northern parts of the northern hemisphere ; breeds within the 
Arctic Circle ; in America, migrates southward along the Atlantic coast, reach- 
ing the Carolinas in winter; rare in the interior. 

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, common T. V., Nov. 1 to May 15; 
a few winter. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, etc., lined with down, on the ground. Eggs, four, 
smooth and creamy white in color, 2*70 x 1*80 (Saunders). 

" Its manner of flying is different from that of the Canada Goose — 
moving in more compact bodies, less rapidly, and without seeming to 
have a chosen leader — that marked characteristic in the flight of the 
latter. 

u While in our bays it appears inactive, seldom taking to wing un- 
less disturbed by a passing boat or the near report of a gun. 

"The Brent rises slowly, and when on the wing moves sluggishly 
for a short distance, and, if not attracted by a distant flock, frequently 
returns to the place it had left. Its food consists of a marine plant 
(Zostera marina), commonly called 'eel grass.' At low water it is 
seen industriously at work tearing up its favorite plant. After the 
tide has risen to such a height as to compel it to relinquish its voca- 
tion, it is seen drifting with the current, feeding sumptuously on the 
fruits of its labor" (Giraud). 

174. Branta nigricans (Zawr.). Black Brant. — Bears a general 
resemblance to the preceding species, but may be readily distinguished by its 
much darker lower breast and upper belly, which are nearly as dark as the 
back, and by having white markings on the front as well as on the sides of 
the neck. 

Range. — "Arctic and western North America; rare or casual on the At- 
lantic coast" (A. O. 17.). "Breeds in abundance on the arctic coast of Liver- 
pool Bay n | Maefarlane). 

Long Island, A. V. 

Xest, of grasses, moss, etc., lined with down, on the ground. Eggs, five to 
seven, dull ivory-white or grayish white, 2-S5 x 1-82 (B., B., and 11.). 

This is the western representative of the preceding species. It is 
of casual occurrence on the Atlantic coast. 



124 SWANS. 

The Barnacle Goose (175. Branta leucojpsis) is an Old- World species 
which visits Greenland regularly in the fall, and is sometimes found on our 
coasts. It differs from any of the preceding in having the forehead, sides oi 
the head, throat, and chin white, the lores being black. 

Subfamily Cygnince. Swans. 

Swans feed from the surface, either by "tipping" or by simply 
immersing the long neck and head. Their food consists largely of 
vegetable matter, but they eat also small mollusks. They migrate in 
V-shaped flocks. When on the wing, and also when feeding, they utter 
at times loud, trumpeting notes. When pursued they do not at once 
take flight, but swim rapidly away, and in this manner easily distance 
a strong rower. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. With yellow on the lores ; distance from the eye to the nostril greater than 
the distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill . 180. Whistling Swan. 

£. No yellow on the lores; distance from the eye to the nostril not greater 
than from the nostril to the end of the bill . . . 181. Trumpeter Swan~ 

180. Olor Columbia nus (Ord). Whistling Swan. Ad.— White; 
bill and feet black ; a small yellow spot on the lores. Im. — Head and neck 
brownish and rest of plumage more or less washed with grayish ; bill and 
feet light. L., 55-00 ; W., 22-00 ; Tar., 4-00. Eye to N., 2-40 ; N. to tip of 
B., 2-25. 

Range. — North America; breeds on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, and 
migrates south to the Gulf of Mexico ; rare on the Atlantic coast north of 
Chesapeake Bay. 

Washington, rare W. V., Oct. Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, etc., lined with down, on the ground near water. 
Eggs, two to five, soiled whitish, 4-25 x 2-70. 

This is a rare bird on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia. " When 
feeding, or dressing their plumage, this Swan is usually very noisy, 
and at night these clamors may be heard to the distance of several 
miles. Their notes are varied, some resembling the lower ones made 
by the common tin horn, others running through the various modula- 
tions of the notes of the clarionet. These differences are presumed to 
be dependent upon age " (B., B., and R.). 

181. Olor buccinator (Rich.). Trumpeter Swan. Ad. — White, 
bill and feet black, no yellow on the lores. Im. — Head and neck brownish, 
rest of plumage more or less washed with grayish. L., 65*00; W., 23*00 ; Tar., 
4*25 ; Eye to N., 2*70 ; N. to tip of B., 2*20. 

Range. — " Chiefly the interior of North America, from the Gulf coast to 
the fur countries, breeding from Iowa and Dakota northward ; west to the 
Pacific, but rare or casual on the Atlantic" (A. O. U.). 

Nest, of grasses and down, on the ground. Eggs, two to six, soiled whitish, 
4*40 x 2*80. 



SPOONBILLS. 125 

This species rarely occurs east of the Mississippi Valley. Its habits 
are said to resemble those of the preceding species, 4 'but its cry is 
very different, resembling the notes of a French horn and being very 
sonorous." 

The Whooping Swan (179. Olor cygnus) is an Old World species which 
sometimes is found in Greenland. It differs from either of our Swans in 
having the M basal portion of the bill and entire lores yellow in the adult." 



ORDER ODONTOGLOSS-ffi. LAMELLIROSTRAL 
GRALLATORES. 

Family Phcenicopterid^]. Flamingoes. 

The seven species included in this family are distributed through- 
out the tropics. Five species are American, of which one reaches our 
southern border in Florida. Flamingoes are gregarious at all seasons. 
They are rarely found far from the seacoasts, and their favorite re- 
sorts are shallow bays or vast mud flats which are flooded at high 
water. In feeding, the bill is pressed downward into the mud, its pe- 
culiar shape making the point then turn upward. The ridges along 
its sides, as in the bills of Ducks, serve as strainers through which are 
forced the sand and mud taken in with the food. 

182. Phoenicopterus ruber (Linn.). Flamingo. (See Fig. 18.) 
A& % — Beautiful rosy vermilion, scapulars and under parts somewhat paler, 
flanks carmine, primaries and secondaries black ; bill yellowish black at the 
tip. Im. — "Grayish white, the wings varied with grayish and dusky" 
(Bidgw.). L., 45-00 ; W., 16*25 ; Tar., 12-50 ; B., 5-50. 

Range.— Atlantic coasts of tropical and subtropical America ; resident in 
southwestern Florida (Monroe County) ; casual along the Gulf coast to Texas ; 
accidental in South Carolina. 

Nest, in mud flats, a truncate cone of mud ten to twenty inches in height, 
hollowed on top. Eggs, two, soiled whitish with a chalky deposit, 3*55 x 2-20. 

The Flamingo is resident in the United States only in the vicinity 
of Cape Sable, Fla., where in 1890 Mr. W. E. D. Scott observed a flock 
of about a thousand birds (The Auk, vii, 1890, pp. 221-226). 



ORDER HERODIONES. HERONS, STORKS, IBISES, 

ETC. 

Family Plataleid^e. Spoonbills. 

The Spoonbills inhabit the warmer parts of the world. Only one 
of the five or six species is found in America. They frequent the 



j 26 IBISES. 

shores both on the seacoast and in the interior. They are generally 
found in flocks and they nest in colonies. Spoonbills have the gen- 
eral habits of Herons, but feed by immersing the bill and swinging it 
from side to side in their search for food. 

183* Ajaja ajaja (Linn.). Koseate Spoonbill; Pink Curlew. 

(See Fig. 21.) Ad. — Head and throat bare, neck and upper back white, some- 
times tinged with pink ; sides of the breast in front of the wings and end half 
of tail ochraceous-butf ; rest of plumage pink ; lengthened feathers at the base 
of the neck darker; lesser wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts car- 
mine. Im. — Similar, but head and throat feathered, ochraceous-buff and car- 
mine of the adult replaced by pink. L., 32-00 ; W., 14-50 ; Tar., 4-00 ; B., 6'25. 

ifa/i^.— -Tropical and subtropical America north to the Gulf States. 

Nest, a platform of sticks in mangrove bushes or small trees. Egg*, three 
to five, white, spotted and speckled with shades of olive-brown, 2-57 x 1*73. 

This was formerly a common species in Florida, but continued 
persecution has so reduced its numbers that during four winters 
passed in different parts of the State I did not observe it. It nests in 
January and February in the extreme southern part of the State, and 
after the nesting season wanders northward. On the Texas coast it is 
more numerous. 

Family Ibidid^s. Ibises. 

Ibises are distributed throughout the warmer parts of the globe ; 
they number about thirty species, of which four occur in North Amer- 
ica. They are silent birds, and live in flocks during the entire year. 
They feed along the shores of lakes, bays, and salt-water lagoons, and 
on mud flats over which the tide rises and falls. Their food consists 
principally of crustaceans, frogs, and small fish. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Plumage deep chestnut 186. Glossy Ibis. 

B. Plumage scarlet 185. Scarlet Ibis (Ad.). 

C. Plumage white 184. White Ibis (Ad.). 

I). Back brown, belly white. 

a. Kump white 184. White Ibis (Im.). 

b. Kump like the back 185. Scarlet Ibis (Im.). 

184. Guara alba (Linn.). White Ibis ; Spanish Curlew (see Fig. 20). 
Ad. — White, the tips of the four outer primaries black ; bare parts of the head 
orange-red. Im. — Head and neck white, streaked with grayish brown ; upper 
back and wings grayish brown; rump, breast, and belly white. L., 25*00; 
W., 11-00; Tar., 3-40; B. from N., 4-60. 

Range. — Tropical America; breeds as far north as southern Indiana, 
southern Illinois, and South Carolina; winters from the Gulf southward. 

Long Island, A. V. 



STORKS. 127 

Nest, of reeds and weed stalks, in trees, bushes, and reedy marshes. Eggs, 
three to five, pale greenish white, with chocolate markings generally most 
numerous at the larger end, 2*25 x L'50, 

This locally abundant species is generally found in flocks of five or 
six to as many hundred birds which frequent mud flats, marshes, or 
the borders of lagoons. They fly in close rank, and when in large 
flocks, with their snowy plumage glistening in the sunlight and their 
wing-strokes accented by the black-tipped primaries, form a strikingly 
beautiful picture. 

The Scarlet Ibis {185. Guara rubra), a South American species, has been 
recorded from Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico. (See Brewster, Bull. 
Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 1883, p. 185; also Scott, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 15.) 

186. Plegadis autumnalis (Basselq.). Glossy Ibis. Ad.— Rich 
chestnut, upper and under tail-coverts, back, wings, and front of the head 
with greenish and purplish reflections; lores (in skins) blackish. Im. — Head 
and neck fuscous-brown, the feathers laterally margined with white ; rest of 
under parts dull fuscous-brown; back with greenish reflections. L., 24-00: 
W., 11-50; Tar., 3-10; B., 5*00. 

Range. — Tropical and subtropical regions generally; rare and of local dis- 
tribution in the southeastern United States and West Indies. 

Washington, A. V., two records. Long Island, A. V., two records. Cam- 
bridge, A. V., one record, May. 

Nest, of rushes, plant stems, etc., in reedy swamps or low bushes. Eggs, 
three, rather deep, dull blue, 2 - 01 x 1-47. 

This is a rare species in the eastern United States. Its haunts are 
of much the same nature as those of the preceding species. 

The White-faced Glossy Ibis (187. Plegadis guarauna), a locally com- 
mon species from Texas westward and southward, has been recorded but once 
from east of the Mississippi, viz., at or near Lake Washington, Florida, where 
a female was shot on a nest containing three eggs (Brewster, Auk, iii, 1886, 
p. 482). This species resembles the Glossy Ibis, but adults have the region 
about the base of the bill white. 

Family Ciconiid^:. Storks. 

Only two of the twenty-five known species included in this family 
are found in Xorth America. Storks are both gregarious and solitary. 
Our species, the so-called Wood Ibis, is as a rule found in flocks and 
nests in colonies. It feeds in swamps and on the shores of bayous, 
where it is said to "rake" the bottom with its foot in searching for 
food. It is a strong flier, a certain number of wing-strokes being fol- 
lowed by a short sail. At times it mounts high in the air and sails 
about like a Vulture. Sometimes it perches upon trees. Its voice is 
described as a rough, guttural croak. 



128 HERONS AND BITTERNS. 

188. Tantalus loculator Linn. Wood Ibis. Ad.— Head and neck 
bare ; primaries, secondaries, and tail glossy greenish black, rest of plumage 
white. Im. — Head more or less feathered; head and neck grayish brown, 
blacker on the nape ; rest of plumage as in the adult, but more or less marked 
with grayish ; wings and tail less greenish. L., 40*00 ; W., 18*00 ; Tar., 7*60 ; 
B. from N., 8*00. 

Range. — Tropical and subtropical America ; breeds in the Gulf States, and, 
after the breeding season, wanders irregularly northward, sometimes reaching 
Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York. 

Washington, A. V., two specimens. Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, a platform of sticks in trees. Eggs, two to three, dull white with a 
soft calcareous deposit, 2*75 x 1*75. 

This is a locally common species in Florida. 

Family Ardeidje. Herons and Bitterns. 

This family contains about seventy-five species distributed in most 
parts of the globe, but more numerously in the intertropical regions. 
Generally speaking, Herons are gregarious, nesting and roosting in 
flocks. While feeding they are more solitary, but each night they 
regularly return to roost with their kind in a " rookery." Bitterns do 
not associate in flocks, and are generally found singly or in pairs. As 
a rule, they feed in grassy marshes, while Herons more commonly 
resort to the shores of lakes, rivers, bays, or salt-water lagoons. Some 
species secure their food of frogs, fish, small reptiles, etc., by standing 
rigidly motionless and waiting for it to come w 7 ithin striking distance, 
or by wading for it with the utmost caution. Others run rapidly and 
noisily through the water, trusting to their agility and the rapidity of 
their spearlike thrusts to supply their wants. Herons, unlike our 
Ibises and Cranes, fly with their folded neck drawn in between their 
shoulders. Their voice is a hoarse squawk. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 13*00. 

A. Plumage pure white. 

a. Wing 17*00 or over; feathers on the lower neck long, narrow. 

192. Great White Heron. 

b. Wing under 17*00; neck-feathers not lengthened . 196. Am. Egret. 

B. Upper parts generally slaty or grayish blue. 

193. Ward's Heron. 194. Great Blue Heron. 
LI. Wing under 13*00. 
1. Crown without streaks. 
A. Crown white or whitish. 
a. Wing over 11*00. 
a 1 . Plumage entirely or mostly white . . . 198. Reddish Egret. 
a*. Plumage gray streaked with black; throat and sides of neck 
black 203. Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 



HERONS AND BITTERNS. 129 

b. Wing under 11-00. 
b l . Plumage pure white ; legs and bill black ; feet yellow. 

197. Snowy Heron. 
b*. Tips of primaries slate-color; plumage white, sometimes irregu- 
larly marked with slaty blue . . 200. Little Blue Heron (Im.). 

B. Crown umber or reddish brown. 

a. Head and neck reddish brown ; body slate-color. 

198. Reddish Egret. 

b. Neck conspicuously streaked; body variegated . 190. Am. Bittern. 

C. Crown slaty or slate- blue with sometimes a purplish cast. 

a. Wing-coverts more or less margined with rufous. 

199. Louisiana Heron. 

b. Wing-coverts without rufous 200. Little Blue Heron. 

D. Crown greenish or bluish black. 

a. Wing over 10*00 ; entire under parts pure white. 

202. Black-crowned Night Heron. 

b. Wing under 10-00. 

b l . Wing-coverts green 201. Little Green Heron. 

c l . Wing-coverts rufous-chestnut and buff. 

c 2 . Under parts buffy, more or less streaked. 191. Least Bittern. 
c 3 . Under parts rufous-chestnut . 191.1. Cory's Least Bittern. 
2. Crown streaked. 

A. Wing under 10-00 ; upper parts greenish 201. Little Green Heron. 

B. Wing over 10-00 ; upper parts brownish or blackish brown streaked 
with white. 

a. Upper parts light brown ; outer edge of primaries reddish. 

202. Black-crowned Night Heron (Im.). 

b. Back dark b: own ; crown nearly black with white streaks ; prima- 
ries dark slate-color . 203. Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Im.). 

190. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). American Bittern; 
Marsh Hen. Ad. — A glossy black streak on either side of the upper neck ; 
top of the head and back of the neck bluish slate, more or less washed with 
butfy ; back brown, bordered and irregularly mottled with buffy, and buffy 
ochraceous, wing-coverts similarly marked, but the ground color grayer; un- 
der parts creamy buff, the feathers all widely streaked with buffy brown, 
which is finely speckled with buffy aud narrowly margined by brownish 
gray. Im. — Similar, but the buffy everywhere deeper and more ochraceous. 
L., 28-00; W., 10-50; Tar., 3-50 ; B., 3-00. 

Range. — Temperate North America ; breeds but rarely south of Virginia ; 
Vvinters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, rather common W. V., Aug. to Apl. Long Island, common 
T. V., Apl. and Sept. to Nov. Sing Sing, rare S. R., Apl. 11 to Oct. 5. Cam- 
bridge, not common S. R., Apl. 15 to Nov. 

Nest, of grasses, etc., on the ground in marshes. Eggs, three to five, pale 
olive-buff, 1-90 x 1-45. 

The Bittern makes its home in extensive grassy meadows with 
plenty of water, but in the season of migration may be found and 
10 



130 HERONS AND BITTERNS. 

heard " booming " in smaller and more accessible swampy places. Like 
the other members of its family, it excels in standing still, and will hold 
its head erect and motionless amid the tall grass till the watcher tires 
of looking and pronounces the suspicious object nothing but a stick 
after all. The Bittern's fame rests upon its vocal performance, or 
" boom." This is sometimes exactly like the working of an old-fash- 
ioned wooden pump, and sometimes — even with the same bird — like 
the driving of a stake in a bog. It can be heard for a long distance. 
The performance is best witnessed in spring, while the grass is still 
low. That it is not so very difficult at that season to steal a march 
upon the bird may perhaps be considered as established on the testi- 
mony of a man who has never lived near a Bittern meadow, and yet 
has watched the performance at much length and at near rang« on 
several occasions. His first experience of this kind is described some- 
what fully in The Auk, vol. vi, page 1. The strange notes are deliv- 
ered with equally strange contortions, as if the bird were horribly 
nauseated, and are preceded by a succession of quick snapping or 
gulping sounds — "hiccoughs," one observer has called them. No 
water is employed in the operation, in spite of the circumstantial as- 
sertions of several persons who profess to have seen the bird swallow- 
ing and then ejecting it. — Bradford Torrey. 

191. Ardetta exilis (Gmel.). Least Bittern. Ad. 6 . — Top of the 

head, back, and tail shining black ; back of the neck chestnut-rufous ; most 
of the greater wing-coverts and outer vanes of the secondaries darker; lesser 
wing-coverts and part of the greater ones bufry ; under parts, including under 
tail-coverts, washed with buffy ; a blackish patch at either side of the breast. 
Ad. 9. — Similar, but head browner and back light, glossy umber; under 
parts darker and more or less streaked with brownish. Im. $ . — Similar to 
ad. <$ , but the back washed and tipped with chestnut; under parts darkei 
and lightly streaked with black. Im. 9 . — similar to ad. 9 , but the back rufous, 
margined with burly ochraceous. L., 13-00 ; W., 4-60 ; Tar., 1-60 ; B., 1*80. 

Range. — Temperate and tropical America; breeds in North America as 
far north as Maine, Ontario, and Manitoba; winters from southern Florida 
southward. 

Washington, not very numerous S. K., May 5 to Sept. 25. Long Island, 
common S. R., May to Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. E., to Aug. 10. 
Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 15 to Aug. 

Nest, of grasses, plant stems, etc., in marshes among rushes, sometimes in 
a small bush. Eggs, three to six, pale bluish white, 1*20 x -92. 

Wet, grassy marshes such as Rail love, or reed-grown ponds that 
Gallinules frequent, are the resorts of these retiring, secretive little 
birds. With outstretched necks and lowered heads they make their 
way without difficulty through the jungle of roots and stalks. Some- 
times they climb up a slender reed, and, hanging on like Marsh Wrens, 



HEROXS AXD BITTERNS. 131 

survey their surroundings. They take wing almost from beneath one's 
feet, and, with a low, frightened qua, fly slowly for a short distance 
and then drop back into the grass. During the breeding season one 
may hear what presumably is the voice of only the male — a soft, slowly 
repeated, dovelike coo, coo, coo, coo, coo. It floats over the marsh like 
the voice of a spirit bird. 

191. 1. Ardetta neoxena Cory. Cory's Bittern. Ad. <$ .— u Top of 
the head, back, and tail dark greenish black, showing a green gloss when held 
in the light. Sides of the head and throat rufous-chestnut, the feathers on the 
back of the neck showing greenish-black tips; breast and under parts nearly 
uniform rufous-chestnut, shading into dull black on the sides ; wing-coverts 
dark rufous-chestnut, all the remiges entirely slaty plumbeous; under tail- 
coverts uniform dull black. \V\, 4-30 ; Tar., 1-40 ; B., 1-80 " (Cory, orig. descr., 
Auk, iii, 1886, p. 262 . 

This small Bittern was described from a specimen taken in the 
Everglades of Florida. Five additional specimens have since been 
secured in the same region, to which, until recently, the species was 
supposed to be confined. Within the past few years, however, seven 
specimens have been taken in the Toronto marshes, where A. exilis is 
common, and one is recorded from Michigan. It seems to me not un- 
likely that, as Mr. W. E. D. Scott suggests, neoxena may prove to be a 
color phase of A. exilis. (Cf. Scott, Auk, viii, 1891, p. 309 ; ix, 1892, 
p. 141 ; and Chapman, ibid,, xiii, 1896, p. 11.) 

192. Ardea OCCidentalis Aud. Great White Heron. Ad.— En- 
tirely white ; in breeding plumage, with long, narrow, stiffened feathers on the 
back and lower foreneek, and two narrow plumes on the back of the crown. 
"L.. 45*00-54-00; W., 17-00-21*00; B., 6-00-700; Tar, 8-00-8-75 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Jamaica and Cuba north to the coasts of southern Florida, casu- 
ally to Anclote River and Micco. 

Nest, a platform of sticks in colonies in mangrove bushes. Eggs, three to 
four, pale, dull blue, 2-50 x 1-80. 

This is a common species on the coasts of southern Florida, par- 
ticularly in the vicinity of Cape Sable. Rarely it is found as far north 
as the Anclote River on the west coast and Micco on the east coast. 
This bird is as large as the Great Blue Heron, and must not be con- 
fused with Ardea egretta. to which the name Great White Heron is 
frequently applied. 

Ardea ivuerdmanni Baird has been considered to be a color phase 
of this species, but its true standing is unknown. It is described by 
Coues as follows : 

" Head, with the crest, white, the forehead streaked with black edges of the 
feathers; under parts white, the sides streaked with black ; lower plumes of 
neck white, mostly streaked with black edges of the feathers ; neck purplish 



132 IIERONS AND BITTERNS. 

gray, darker than in A. herodias, with a similar throat line of white, black, 
and rufous. Under wing-coverts streaked with white ; rufous of edge of wing 
less extensive than in A. herodias, that of tibia) paler. Tibia3 and soles of feet 
yellow ; tarsi and top of toes yellowish green. Im. — Like young A. herodias; 
top of head dusky, the feathers with whitish shaft lines and bases. Lesser 
wing-coverts speckled with rusty, the under ones pure white" (Coues). "L., 
48-00-50*00; W., 20-00-21-00; B., 5-95-6-50; Tar., 7*95-8*25 " (Ridgw.). 

193. Ardea wardi Ridgw. Ward's Heron. — This is the Florida rep- 
resentative of A. herodias. It is believed by soino ornithologists to be a dis- 
tinct species, but in my opinion is a peninsular race. The average differences 
in color between it and A. herodias consist in its whiter lower parts, darker 
neck, and olive instead of black legs. These differences, however, can not 
always be relied upon, and size is the character by which the two birds can 
best be distinguished, wardi being the larger, as the following measurements 
show: L., 52-00; W., 19-75-20-50; B., 6-40-0-80; Tar., 8-00-8-50. 

Range, — Florida, from Alachua County southward. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonics, generally in cypress trees. Fggs, 
three to four, pale, dull blue, 2'65 x 1*85. 

This is the Florida form of the following, which it resembles in 
habits. It is more common than the Great Blue Heron, and is gener- 
ally distributed throughout the peninsula from Gainesville southward. 

194. Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron; Blue Crane; 
Sandhill Crane. Ad. in breeding plumage. — Center of the crown and throat 
white, sides of the crown black, this color meeting on the back of the head, 
where the feathers are lengthened to form an occipital crest ; neck pale gray- 
ish brown, a narrow black, white, and ochraceous line down the middle of 
the forcneck ; feathers of the lower forencck narrow and much lengthened, 
whitish with sometimes black streaks; back, wing-coverts, and tail slaty 
gray, the Bcapulars paler, narrow, and much lengthened ; bend of the wing 
chestnut-rufous; a patch of black and white feathers on the side of the 
breast; breast and belly streaked with black and white and sometimes pale 
rufous ; feathers on legs dull rufous, legs and feet black, upper mandible olive- 
yellow, the culmen blackish; lower mandible yellow; lores blue. Im. — 
Similar, but entire crown black, throat white, neck brownish gray washed 
with bufty ochraceous ; no black at the sides of the breast or plumes on the 
lower neck; under parts streaked with black, slaty, white, and ochraceous ; 
bend of wings and feathers on legs paler; back slaty grayish brown without 
lengthened plumes. " L., 42-00-50*00; W., 17-90-19-85; B., 4-S0-6-25 ; Tar., 
6-00-8-00" (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Northern South America northward to the arctic regions; breeds 
locally throughout most of its North American range and winters from the 
Middle States southward. 

Washington, rather common, absent only in midwinter. Long Island, 
OOmmon T. V., Apl, and May ; Aug. to Dec. Sing Sing, common T. V.. Apl. 
4 to Apl. 18; Aug. 16 to Oct. 6. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. and May; 
Sept. to Nov. ; occasional in summer. 



HERONS AND BITTERNS. 133 

Nest, a platform of sticks, generally in colonies, in trees. Eggs, three to 
four, pale, dull blue, 2*50 x 1-50. 

Is it due to the influence of the artists of the Orient that these 
long-legged, long-necked birds are so frequently miscalled "Cranes"? 
With head drawn in and legs trailing on behind, they flap slowly over 
the water, resembling, no doubt, the M Cranes n of fans, screens, and 
bronzes ; nevertheless, they are Herons. With all a Heron's immovable 
alertness they watch patiently for passing fish, sometimes w T ading with 
extreme caution, placing one foot slowly after the other. They feed 
both by day and night. Fishes, frogs, reptiles, even small mice, all 
are welcome ; and all are powerless to escape the lightning thrust of 
the spearlike bill. Their voice is harsh and rasping. When alarmed 
they utter a croak which is sometimes prolonged into a series of squawks. 
They nest and roost in colonies, but at other times are solitary birds. 

The European Great Blue Heron (195. Ardea cinerea) is accidental in 
southern Greenland. It may be distinguished from our species by the white 
instead of rufous feathers on the legs. 

196. Ardea egretta Gmei. American Egret. Ad. in breeding 

plumage. — Entire plumage pure white ; about fifty straight u aigrette " plumes 
grow from the interscapular region and reach beyond the tail ; legs and feet 
black ; bill yellow ; lores orange, bordered below by greenish. Ad. after the 
breeding season and Im. — Without the interscapular plumes. L., 41-00; W., 
15-00 ; Tar., 5-60 ; B., 4-50. 

Range. — Tropical and temperate America; breeds as far north as southern 
Illinois and Virginia ; after the breeding season sometimes strays northward 
as far as Manitoba, Quebec, and Xew Brunswick. 

Washington, not common and irregular S. E., May to August. "Long 
Island, rare from July to Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. Eggs, three 
to five, dull blue, of a rather deeper shade than those of the preceding, 
2-25 x 1-60. 

Tourists who went to Florida thirty years ago have told me of 
prairies white with Egrets, of bushy islands glistening in the sun like 
snow banks. Xow you may look for miles along a lake shore and per- 
haps in the distance see a solitary Egret, which, as you approach, with 
a frightened squawk takes wing a rifle-shot away. The rapid exter- 
mination of these plume-bearing birds is startling evidence of man's 
power in the animal world. At his word a species is almost imme- 
diately wiped out of existence. I have heard a " plume-hunter" boast 
of killing three hundred Herons in a "rookery" in one afternoon. 
Another proudly stated that he and his companions had killed one 
hundred and thirty thousand birds — Herons, Egrets, and Terns— dur- 
ing one winter. But the destruction of these birds is an unpleasant 



134 HERONS AND BITTERNS. 

subject. It is a blot on Florida's history. The subject will be found 
fully treated by W. E. D. Scott in The Auk, iv, 1887, p. 135. 

197. Ardea candidissima Gmel. Snowy Heron; Snowy Egret 
Ad. in breeding plumage. — Entire plumage pure white; about fifty recurved 
"aigrette" plumes grow from the interscapular region and reach to or just 
beyond the end of the tail ; legs black, feet yellow, bill black, yellow at the 
base ; lores orange-yellow. Ad. after the breeding season and Im. — Without 
the interscapular plumes. L., 24-00 ; W., 9'75; Tar., 3-80; B., 3*20. 

Range. — Tropical and temperate America ; breeds as far north as southern 
Illinois and Long Island; after the breeding season sometimes strays north- 
ward as far as Ontario and Maine. 

Washington, casual ; irregular in fall. Long Island, rare S. E., Apl. to 
Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. Eggs, three 
to five, pale, dull blue, 1-80 x 1.20. 

The " curse of beauty " has numbered the days of this the most 
dainty and graceful of Herons. Twenty years ago it was abundant in 
the South, now it is the rarest of its family. The delicate "aigrettes" 
which it donned as a nuptial dress were its death warrant. Woman 
demanded from the bird its wedding plumes, and man has supplied 
the demand. The Florida Herons have gone, and now he is pursuing 
the helpless birds to the uttermost parts of the earth. Mercilessly 
they are shot down at their roosts or nesting grounds, the coveted 
feathers are stripped from their backs, the carcasses are left to rot, 
while the young in the nest above are starving. But then, you know, 
the little bunch of aigrettes in yonder jaunty bonnet is " so pretty," 
" so becoming ! " 

198. Ardea rufescens Gmel. Keddisii Egret. Ad., dark phase.— 
Head and neck rufous-chestnut, glossed with vinaceous ; rest of the plumago 
dark bluish slate-color; about thirty ''aigrette" plumes grow from the inter- 
scapular region and reach beyond the tail ; legs and feet black. Im. — Simi- 
lar, but without the " aigrette " plumes. White phase. — Similar in size and 
form, but entire plumage white, except the tips of the primaries, which are 
sometimes very finely speckled with grayish. Im. — Similar, but without the 
" aigrette " plumes. L., 29*00 ; W., 12-50 ; Tar., 5-40 ; B., 3'60. 

Bemarks. — The two color phases of this bird were supposed to represent 
two species, the white phase being called Ardea pealei Bonap. They have, 
however, been found mated together, and intermediates or party-colored 
specimens are known. 

Range. — West Indies and Central America north to coasts of the Gulf 
States ; casually southern Illinois. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes generally over water. 
Eggs, two to four, pale, dull blue, 1*05 x 1-45. 

This is, or was a few years ago, a not uncommon species on the 
coasts of southern Florida, but it is unknown in the interior. It is 




Q 

o 
« 






HERONS AND BITTERNS. 135 

generally seen in flocks. With A. ccmdidissima they lack the patience 
of the larger Herons and pursue their prey in shallow water. 

199. Ardea tricolor ruficollis (Gosse). Louisiana Heron. Ad, 
— Upper parts dark bluish slate-color; back of the head and upper neck with 
elongated chestnut-rufous and white feathers; back with pale brownish gray 
"aigrette" plumes reaching to the tail; lower back, rump, and belly white; 
neck bluish slate-color ; throat white, an indistinct rufous line down the mid- 
dle of the foreneck ; legs blackish ; base of the bill and lores bluish. Im. — 
Throat, and an indistinct line down the foreneck, white ; rest of the head and 
neck brownish rufous ; upper back and wings bluish slate-color, more or less 
washed with brownish rufous ; no plumes ; lower back, rump, and belly white ; 
breast with more or less slaty streaks ; legs yellow behind, blackish before ; 
lower mandible and lores orange ; upper mandible black. L., 20*00 ; W., 10*00 ; 
Tar., 3-70 ; B., 3-90. 

Range. — Central America and West Indies northward to the Gulf States; 
casually to Long Island. 

Long Island, A. V., one record. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water Eggs, four 
to live, pale, dull blue, 1*75 x 1-35. 

A common species in Florida, where it is found both singly and in 
flocks. It is sometimes a slow, stealthy feeder, and at others dashes 
for its prey. 

200. Ardea ccerulea Linn. Little Blue Heron. Ad. — Head and 
neck maroon-chestnut; rest of the plumage dark bluish slate-color; inter- 
scapulars and lower neck feathers lengthened and narrowly pointed ; lores 
blue ; legs and feet black. Im. — White, the plumage sometimes more or less 
washed with slaty ; the tips of the primaries always bluish slate-color ; legs, 
feet, and lores greenish yellow. L., 22-00 ; W., 10-25 ; Tar., 3-70 ; B., 3-00. 

Remarks.— Between the young and adult there is every stage of inter- 
gradation of color, some specimens being irregularly marked with blue and 
white in about equal proportions. Young birds are sometimes mistaken for 
Snowy Herons, but can always be distinguished by the greenish yellow legs 
and slaty tips of the primaries. 

Range. — Tropical and temperate America, breeding as far north as south- 
ern Illinois and Virginia ; after the breeding season wanders northward, some- 
times reaching Nova Scotia. 

Washington, casual in July and August; sometimes quite common. Long 
Island, rare from Apl. to Sept. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. Eggs, three 
to four, pale, dull blue, 1*70 x 1-30. 

Thanks to their lack of "aigrette" plumes Little Blue Herons are 
probably the most common Herons in Florida to-day. They are gen- 
erally found in flocks, sometimes composed entirely of blue adults, 
sometimes of white, immature birds, and at others both young and old 
are associated. The white birds resemble A, ccmdidissima, but the 



136 HERONS AND BITTERNS. 

color of their legs and feet serves as a distinguishing character at some 
distance. They are silent when feeding, but when undisturbed in their 
rookeries each bird seems to have something to say, and the result is a 
strange chorus of croaking voices. They feed by day, and generally 
wait for their prey to come within striking distance. 

201. Ardea virescens Linn. Little Green Heron; Poke (see 
Fig. 19). Ad. — Crown and a short line below the eye glossy greenish black ; 
throat buify white, this color extending down the foreneck as a narrow line 
mixed with blackish, widening on the breast; rest of the head and neck 
rufous-chestnut glossed with vinaceous ; back, with lengthened interscapulars, 
green, more or less washed with bluish gray ; wing-coverts green, margined 
with white or burly ; belly ashy gray, more or less washed with buff'y. Im. — 
Similar, but with the neck and under parts streaked with blackish ; back 
without lengthened feathers or wash of blue-gray ; wing -coverts widely mar- 
gined with buff'y ochraceous. L., 17'00 ; W., 7*25 ; Tar., 1*90; B., 2*50. 

Range. — Tropical and temperate America ; breeds as far north as Mani- 
toba, Ontario, and the Bay of Fundy ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, very common S. K., Apl. 15 to Sept. Long Island, common 
S. K., Apl. to Oct. Sing Sing, common S. K., Apl. 6 to Sept. 26. Cambridge, 
common S. K., May 5 to Sept. 

Nest, a platform of sticks in a bush or low branch of a tree. -Eggs, three 
to six, pale, dull blue, 1*50 x 1-14. 

The shores of wooded streams or ponds are frequented by this small 
Heron in preference to more exposed situations. It -is most active in 
the early morning or at nightfall, and during the day rests quietly in 
some sheltered situation. When startled, it springs into the air with a 
frightened squawk, and, alighting at a safe distance on a tree or on 
some elevated perch, with upstretched neck watches the intruder, be- 
traying its apprehension by nervous twitchings of the tail. It is a 
solitary bird, and, unlike most Herons, is never found in flocks. 

202. Nycticorax nycticorax nsevius (Bodd.). Black-crowned 

Night Heron; Quawk. Ad. — Forehead, lores, neck, and under parts white 
or whitish ; crown, upper back, and scapulars glossy, greenish black ; lower 
back, wings, and tail ashy gray ; legs and feet yellow ; lores greenish ; two or 
three white rounded occipital plumes about 8*00 in length. Im. — Upper parts 
grayish brown, the feathers streaked or with wedge-shaped spots of white or 
buify ; outer web of primaries pale rufous; under parts white, streaked with 
blackish. L., 24-00 ; W., 12-00 ; Tar., 3-20 ; B., 3-00. 

Range. — Breeds from Manitoba and New Brunswick southward through 
South America; winters from the Gulf States southward. 

Washington, not uncommon S. R., occasional in winter. Long Island, 
common S. R., Apl. to Oct., a few winter. Sing Sing, common S. R., Apl. 6 
to Oct. 20. Cambridge, P. R., most common in Aug. and Sept. 

Nest, of sticks, in colonies, generally in the upper parts of tall trees, some- 
times in bushes or on the ground. Eggs, four to six, pale, dull blue, 2*00 x 1-40. 



CHANES. 137 

These birds live in colonies composed sometimes of thousands of 
pairs. Their day begins after sunset, when they leave their roosts and 
start for their feeding grounds. Occasionally they utter a loud, hoarse 
quawk, the origin of their common name; and looking up we may 
catch a glimpse of them hurrying through the gloom. During the 
nesting season the demands of the young force them to feed both by 
day and night. 

203. Nycticorax violaceus {Linn.). Yellow-crowned Night 
Heron. Ad. —Crown white, generally washed with buiiy ; ear-coverts white ; 
rest of the head and throat black ; neck, breast, and belly blue-gray ; back 
the same ; the lengthened interscapulars, scapulars, and wing-coverts streaked 
with black; two or three black and white rounded occipital plumes; lores 
greenish yellow ; legs greenish. Im. — Crown black, the feathers streaked with 
white or buflfy ; rest of the upper parts, including wing-coverts, fuscous-brown 
with wedge-shaped buiiy or white spots; primaries dark bluish slate-color 
without rufous ; under parts white or buify streaked with blackish. L., 23'00 ; 
W., 12-00; Tar., 3'75; B., 3-00. 

Remarks. — Young birds bear a general resemblance to those of the pre- 
ceding species, but differ in being darker, in having the head darker than the 
back, and the primarigs without rufous. 

Range. — Breeds from southern Illinois and South Carolina southward to 
South America, and occasionally strays north as far as Massachusetts. 

Long Island, A. V. Cambridge, A. V., one record, July. 

Kest, a platform of sticks, in pairs, generally in a low branch overhanging 
water. Eggs, four to five, pale, dull blue, 1*95 x 1-45. 

Unlike the preceding, this is a rather solitary species, and is found 
singly or in pairs along the borders of wooded streams, and never in 
colonies. It is also, I think, more diurnal in habits. 



ORDER PALTJDICOLiE. CRANES, RAILS, ETC. 

Family Grtjidje. Cranes. 

The Cranes number about eighteen species, of which three are North 
American, while the remaining fifteen inhabit the Old World. They 
frequent plains and marshes, and are omnivorous feeders, eating frogs, 
lizards, field-mice, snakes, etc., and various kinds of vegetable food. 
Our species migrate in flocks, but are solitary rather than gregarious 
at other times of the year. Their voice is loud and resonant. 

204. Grus americana {Linn.). Whooping Crane; White Crane. 
Ad. — Top of the head, lores, and sides of the throat dull red, with a thin 
growth of black " hairs " ; primaries black, rest of the plumage white. 7m.— 
Similar, but whole head feathered, and the plumage more or less washed with 
burly ochraceous. L., 50-00 ; W., 25*00 ; Tar., 11-50 ; B., 5-00. 



138 COURLANS. 

Range. — Interior of North America ; breeds from Illinois northward ; win- 
ters in the Gulf States. 

Washington, A. V., one record. 

Nes^ of grasses and weed stalks, on the ground in marshy places. Eggs % 
two, olive-gray, spotted and blotched with distinct and obscure cinnamon- 
brown markings, 4'00 x 2'50. 

A rather rare species cast of the Mississippi. " In flight their long 
necks and stiltlike legs are stretched out in a line with the body to 
the full extent, moving strongly with slowly beating wings, but not 
swiftly, . . . often circling spiral-like to a great height. They occa- 
sionally bunch up, and I have seen them in triangular form ; but as a 
rule they travel in single file, following their leader in a wavy line, 
croaking as they go, like hounds upon a cold trail " (Goss). 

The Little Brown Crane (205. Orus canadensis) breeds from Hudson 
Bay to Alaska, and winters in Texas and Mexico. There are but two in- 
stances of its occurrence east of the Mississippi (Rhode Island and South 
Carolina). It resembles mexicana, but is smaller ; W. 18*50; B., 4-10. 

206. Grus mexicana (Mull.). Sandhill Crane; Brown Crane. 
Ad. — Whole top of the head to below the eves covered with rough, minutely 
warty, dull reddish skin thinly grown with short, black "hairs"; plumage 
brownish gray, with more or less silvery gray and buffy ochraceous. Im. — 
Similar, but whole head feathered, and with more buffy ochraceous in the 
plumage. " L., 40-00-48-00 ; W., 21*83 ; Tar., 10 25 ; B., 5-47 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Florida, Georgia, and northward through the Mississippi Valley 
to Manitoba; breeds locally throughout its range; winters in the Gulf States 
from Florida to Texas. 

JVest, of roots, rushes, weed stalks, etc., on the ground in marshy places. 
Eggs, two, olive-gray, spotted and blotched with distinct and obscure cinna- 
mon-brown markings, 3-90 x 2'40. 

" These birds in their habits are similar to the Whooping [Crane], 
but much more numerous. Their loud, modulating, sonorous croak 
announces their presence, and is often heard during the night as well 
as the day. 

" During courtship and the early breeding season their actions and 
antics at times are ludicrous in the extreme, bowing and leaping high 
in the air, hopping, skipping, and circling about with drooping wings 
and croaking whoop, an almost indescribable dance and din, in which 
the females (an exception to the rule) join, all working themselves up 
into a fever of excitement only equaled by an Indian war dance, and, 
like the same, it only stops when the last one is exhausted" (Goss). 

Family Aramidje. Courlans. 

Courlans might be called large Kails with some of the habits of 
Herons. Two species are known, Aram us scolopaceus of South America, 



RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 139 

and A. giganteus of Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, and 
Florida. They frequent the borders of wooded streams and swamps, 
and at times the uplands. Their flight is short, and when on the wing 
their legs dangle below them. Like the Herons, they perch in trees. 
Their prolonged, melancholy call has won for them the name " Crying- 
bird." Their usual note is a loud, rather high wah-ree-oiv ; the last 
syllable is drawn out into a wail, and the effect is most grewsome. 
Courlans feed to a large extent on land shells (Ampullaria), and, as 
Prof. W. B. Barrows has shown, the tip of the Courlan's bill is some- 
times turned slightly to one side, an evident result of f©rcing it into 
the spiral opening of the shell to extract the animal. 

207. Aramus giganteus (Bonaj).). Limpkin; Cryixg-bird; Cour- 
LAN. (See Fig. 24.) Ad. — Glossy olive-brown, the feathers of the head and 
neck narrowly, those of the body broadly, striped with white; wings and tail 
more bronzy. Im— Similar, but paler and duller. L., 28*00 ; W., 13-00 ; Tar., 
4-50 ; B., 4-25. 

Jxange. — Central America and West Indies north to Eio Grande Valley 
and Florida. 

Nest) of leaves, twigs, etc., in a bush or small tree. Eggs, four to seven, 
pale bully white, blotched, stained, and speckled with light cinnamon-brown, 
2-30 x 1-70. 

This is a locally distributed species in Florida. Its general habits 
are described in the remarks on the family Aramidce. 

Family Eallid^e. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots. 

The one hundred and eighty species contained in this family are 
distributed throughout the greater part of the world, fifteen species 
inhabiting North America. Rails and Gallinules are not strictly gre- 
garious, but are generally associated through a community of inter- 
ests ; Coots, however, are usually found in flocks. Rails inhabit grassy 
marshes, in which they seek safety by running or hiding, taking to 
wing when pursued only as a last resort. Their flight is then short 
and labored, and with dangling legs they soon drop back into cover. 
Nevertheless, they perform extended migrations, traveling hundreds of 
miles without resting. Gallinules live near the marshy borders of bodies 
of water, while the more aquatic Coots resemble some Ducks in habits. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Bill over 1-75. 
A. Cheeks below the eye cinnamon-rufous, like the breast; Hanks black 
barred with white; upper parts rich olive-brown streaked with black. 

208. Kino Kail. 
£. Cheek below the eye gray ; flanks generally gray or brownish, barred 
with white; upper parts generally grayish, streaked with black. 

211. Clapper Rail and races. 



140 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 

II. Bill under 1-75. 
A. Wing over 6-00. 

a. General color blue, feet yellow 218. Purple Gallinule. 

b. General color slaty, feet dark greenish. 

b 1 . Toes with large scalloped webs or flaps at the side. 221. Am. Coot. 

£ 2 . Toes without flaps or webs 219. Florida Gallinule. 

J>. Wing under 6-00. 

a. Wing under 3*50. 

a 1 . Back blackish, with small round, white spots . 216. Black Kail. 
a 2 . Back blackish, barred with white and margined with buffy. 

• 215. Yellow Kail. 

b. Wing over 3*50. 

bh Bill over 1-00 212. Virginia Kail. 

c\ Bill under 1*00. 

c 9 . Wing over 4*50, lesser wing-coverts rufous . 217. Corn Crake. 

6- 3 . Wing under 4*50, lesser wing-coverts olive .... 214. Sora. 

208. Ballus elegans Au d. King Kail; Marsh Hen. Ad — Upper 
parts varying from olive-brown to black, the back and scapulars widely mar- 
gined with olive-gray; wings and tail olive-brown; wing-coverts rufous; 
throat white ; neck and breast cinnamon-rufous ; belly and sides fuscous, 
sharply barred with white. Downy Young— Glossy black. L., 15-00 ; W., 
6-50 ; Tar., 2-20 ; B., 2-40. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds as far north as Missouri and 
southern Connecticut, and occasionally strays as far as Wisconsin, Ontario, 
and Maine ; winters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, uncommon S. K., almost a P. K. Long Island, rare S. K. 

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in fresh-water marshes. Eggs, seven to 
twelve, buffy white, more heavily spotted and speckled with rufous-brown 
than those of the next species, 1*68 x 1*20. 

The King Rail is the fresh- water representative of the Clapper Kail. 
It is, however, a much less common bird, and less is known of its 
habits. Like other Rails, it is a skulker, and never flies when it can 
escape by running or hiding in the dense grass of its home. On three 
occasions I have heard what I am quite sure was the King Rail's call, 
a loud, startling bup, hup, hup, hup, hup, uttered with increasing ra- 
pidity until the syllables were barely distinguishable, then ending some- 
what as it began. The whole performance occupied about five seconds. 

211. Rallus longirostris crepitans (Gmel.). Clapper Kail; 

Marsh Hen. (See Fig. 22, a.) Ad. — Upper parts very pale greenish olive, 
the feathers widely margined with gray; wings and tail grayish brown; 
wing-coverts pale cinnamon, much washed with gray; throat white; neck 
and breast pale, between ochraceous and cream-buff, more or less washed 
with grayish ; belly and sides gray or brownish gray, barred with white. 
Downy Young— Glossy black. L., 14-50 ; W., 5-00 ; Tar., 2-00 ; B., 2*50. 

Remarks. — The Clapper Kail may always be known from the King Kail 




Q 



RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 141 

by its generally grayish instead of brownish or blackish upper parts, by its 
much paler breast and flanks and paler wing-coverts. 

Range. — Breeds in salt-water marshes of eastern North America from 
Connecticut to the Gulf of Mexico ; winters in small numbers from near the 
northern limit of its range southward. 

Washington, A. V., one record. Long Island, common S. K., A pi. to Oct., 
a few winter. Sing Sing, A. V. 

JVest, of grasses, on the ground, in grass-grown, salt-water marshes. Eggs, 
eight to twelve, buffy white, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1*72 x 1*20. 

The Clapper Rail is an inhabitant of grassy, salt-water marshes, and, 
in the southern parts of its range, of mangrove swamps. It is almost 
impossible to flush these birds unless their haunts are invaded by an 
unusually high tide, when a boat may be pushed through the meadows 
and the birds forced to take wing. I have heard birds calling in the 
tall grass within a few feet of me, and have made a wild rush in their 
direction, only to be mocked a moment later by apparently the same 
bird calling from a point almost within reach. They dodge about over 
well- traveled pathways like children in a game of blind man's buff. 

While not strictly gregarious, they live in colonies, and the long, 
rolling call of one bird is sometimes taken up. and repeated by others 
until there is a general outcry through the marsh. 

211a. R. 1. saturatus Hensh. Louisiana Clapper Eail. — A local 
race of the Clapper Rail found in the marshes of Louisiana. Its characters 
appear not to be well understood. It is much darker than crepitans, but not 
so dark as scottii. " W., 5-65 ; Tar., 1-97 ; B., 2-27 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Coast of Louisiana. 

211b. R. 1. scottii (Senn.). Florida Clapper Rail. — Differs from 
crepitans in being black, fuscous, or olive-brown above, with olive-gray mar- 
gins to the feathers ; in having the neck and breast cinnamon-rufous washed 
with brownish, and in having the belly and flanks black instead of gray. In 
fact, the general color of scottii suggests a King Rail, but the latter may always 
be knowm by its rufous wing-coverts and clear cinnamon-rufous neck and 
breast. W., 5-50 ; Tar., 1-90 ; B., 2'40. 

Range. — Gulf coast of Florida. 

212. Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia Rail. Ad.— Upper parts 
fuscous or black, the feathers bordered by pale grayish brown ; wings and 
tail dark grayish brown; wing-coverts rufous, lores whitish, cheeks gray, 
throat white, rest of the under parts cinnamon-rufous ; flanks and under tail- 
coverts barred or spotted with black and white. Downy Young. — Glossy 
black. L., 9-50 ; W., 4*30 ; Tar., 1-30 ; B., 1-50. 

Range. — Breeds from northern Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Long Island to 
Manitoba and Labrador ; winters from near the southern limit of its breeding 
range southward. 

Washington, probably P. *R. Long Island, common S. R., Apl. to Oct. ; a 



142 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 

few winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. K. to Sept. 29. Cambridge, 
common S. E., Apl. 20 to Oct. 15. 

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in marshes. Eggs, six to twelve, pale buffy 
w T hite, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1*26 x *96. 

In almost any extensive fresh or brackish marsh, especially if it 
has beds of cat-tail flags or scattered thickets of low bushes and briers, 
one may hear in May and June, particularly in the early morning, late 
afternoon, or during cloudy weather, a succession of grunting sounds 
not unlike those of a hungry pig. Although by no means loud, they 
have a penetrating quality which makes them carry to a considerable 
distance ; and they are apt to attract attention even when, as is usually 
the case, they mingle with the songs of innumerable Red-winged 
Blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, and other swamp-loving birds. It is no 
easy matter to trace them to their author, but if you are persevering 
and at the same time fortunate, you may at length discover him skulk- 
ing under a bush or behind a tuft of grass. He is the Virginia Rail, 
an odd-looking bird about the size of a Snipe. If you remain motion- 
less, he may presently come out into fairer view and walk slowly around 
the edge of some pool, lifting and putting down his large feet with 
curious deliberation, cocking up his absurdly short tail at each step, 
and every now and then stopping to thrust his bill deep into the ooze 
in search of food. As he pauses to look at you, you are struck by his 
half-quizzical, half-sinister expression, due, no doubt, to the fact that 
his eyes are blood-red and deeply sunk in their long, narrow head. 
Startle him by some sudden movement, and he will do one of three 
things — dart back into cover as swiftly as a frightened mouse, skip 
across the pool over the floating leaves cf the water plants, using both 
wings and feet, or rise with feebly fluttering wings and hanging legs 
to fly only a few rods before dropping beyond some intervening screen 
of grass or bushes. In any case you are not likely to find him again 
on this occasion. 

Besides the grunting sound, the Virginia Rail utters during the 
breeding season, especially at night and in lowering weather, a gut- 
tural cut, cutta-cutta-cutta, often repeated at brief intervals for hours 
in succession. This cry appears to be peculiar to the male, and is, no 
doubt, his love song. When heard at a distance of only a few yards it 
has a vibrating, almost unearthly quality, and seems to issue from the 
ground directly beneath one's feet. The female, when anxious about 
her eggs or young, calls Jci-ki-ki in low tones, and km much like a 
Flicker. The young of both sexes in autumn give, when startled, a 
short, explosive Jeep or MIc, closely similar to that of the Carolina Rail. 

William Brewster. 



RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 143 

214. Porzana Carolina (Lin n.). Sora ; Carolina Rail. (See Fig. 
22, c.) Ad. — Kegion about the base of the bill, center of crown, and a line 
down the middle of the neck black ; rest of the breast and throat, sides of 
the head, and front part of the crown pale blue-gray ; rest of the upper parts 
olive-brown, most of the feathers with black centers, the scapulars and back 
streaked on either side with white; wings fuscous-brown, their coverts gray- 
ish cinnamon, outer edge of first primary white; lower belly white, flanks 
barred with black and white. Im. — Similar, but without black at the base 
of the bill or on the throat ; breast washed with cinnamon and upper parts 
darker. L., 8'50 ; W., 4-30; Tar., 1-30; B., -80. 

Range. — Breeds from Kansas, Illinois, and Long Island northward to 
Hudson Bay ; winters from South Carolina to northern South America. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. ; July to Nov. Long Island, com- 
mon T. V., Apl. and May ; Aug. to Oct. ; rare S. R. Sing Sing, common 
T. V., May; Aug. 19 to Oct, 24. Cambridge, very common S. E., Apl. 20 to 
Oct. 20. 

J\ r est, of grasses, on the ground in marshes. JEggs, eight to fifteen, burly 
white or ochraceous-buff, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1*24 x -90. 

The Soras' summer home is in fresh-water marshes, where, if it 
were not for their notes, the reeds and grasses would long keep the 
secret of their presence. But knowing their calls, you have only to 
pass a May or June evening near a marsh to learn whether they in- 
habit it. If there, they will greet you late in the afternoon with a 
clear whistled leer-wee, which soon comes from dozens of invisible 
birds about you, and long after night has fallen it continues like a 
springtime chorus of piping hylas. Now and again it is interrupted 
by a high-voiced, rolling ivliinny which, like a call of alarm, is taken 
up and repeated by different birds all over the marsh. 

They seem so absorbed by their musical devotions that even when 
calling continuously it requires endless patience and keen eyes to see 
the dull-colored, motionless forms in places where one would not sup- 
pose there was sufficient growth to conceal them. 

Floating silently near the shore on my back in a canoe, I have se?n 
them venture out to feed. With tails erect they step gingerly alone:, 
evidently aware of their exposed position, for on the least alarm they 
dart back to cover. Sometimes they cross small streams by swim- 
ming, and they are expert divers. 

In the fall they gather in the wild-rice or wild-oat (Zizania aquat- 
ica) marshes, and a well-directed stone or unusual noise may biing a 
series of protesting interrogative kuks or peeps from the apparently 
deserted reeds. At this season "gunners" in small flat-bottomed 
boats are poled through the flooded meadows, and the Soras, waiting 
until the last moment, rise on feeble wing — a mark which few can 
miss. Numerous puffs of smoke float over the tall grasses, and the 
dull reports come booming across the marsh with fateful frequency. 



144 RAILS, (MLLINULES, AND COOTS. 

The Spotted Crake (213. Porzana porzana) — an Old World representa- 
tive of our Sora— is recorded as " occasional in Greenland." 

215. Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.). Yellow Rail. (See Fig. 

22, b.) Ad. — Upper parts black, the feathers bordered with ochraceous-buif 
and with from one to three narrow white bars; breast ochraceous-buff ; mid- 
dle of the belly white ; sides and lower belly black or brownish, barred with 
white. L., 7'00 ; W., 3-40 ; Tar., *95 ; B., 52. 

Range. — u Eastern North America from Nova Scotia and Hudson Bay 
west to Utah and Nevada; no extralimital record except Cuba and the Ber- 
mudas " (A. 0. U.). 

Washington, rare T. V., Mch. and Oct. Long Island, uncommon T. V. 
Cambridge, rare T. V., Apl. and May ; Oct. and Nov. 

Nest, on the ground in grassy marshes. Eggs, six or more, creamy buff, 
densely sprinkled and speckled on larger end with rusty brown, 1*12 x *83 
(Ridgw.). 

This little Rail inhabits marshes with others of its family. With 
them it seems to know that it can escape its enemies much more easily 
by hiding in the tangled grasses of its home than by taking wing, and 
it flies only to avoid actual capture. It can be hunted successfully, 
therefore, only with dogs. 

Nuttall describes its notes as " an abrupt and cackling cry, 'krek, 
'krek, 'krek, 'krek, 'kuk, 'k?kh" and compares them to the croaking of 
the tree frog. 

216. Porzana jamaicensis {GmeL). Little Black Rail. Ad.— 

Head, breast, and upper belly slate-color; lower belly, back, and wings 
brownish black, barred or spotted with white; nape dark reddish brown. 
L., 5-00; W., 2-80; Tar., -80; B., -60. 

Range. — "Temperate North America, north to Massachusetts, northern 
Illinois, and Oregon ; south to West Indies and in western South America to 
Chili" (A. O. U.). Probably breeds throughout its North America range. 

Washington, rare T. V., several in Sept. Long Island, rare T. V. 

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in marshes Eggs, ten, white, thinly sprin- 
kled with reddish brown dots, more numerous at the larger end, 1*00 x -80 
(Nelson, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 1876, p. 43). 

This bird is about as difficult to observe as a field mouse. It is 
said to prefer grassy meadows, where, like others of its family, it never 
flies when it can escape by running or hiding. It is apparently not 
common. The only description of its notes I know of is given by Mr. 
March, of Jamaica, who, as quoted by Dr. Brewer, writes its call as 
" chi-chi-cro-croo~croo, several times repeated in sharp, high-toned 
notes, so as to be audible to a considerable distance." 

The Corn Crake (217. Crex crex), a bird of Europe and northern Asia, is 
casual in Greenland, Bermudas, and eastern North America. It is about the 
size of a Clapper Rail, but has a bill no larger than that of the Sora. The 



RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 145 

general color of the upper parts is between ochraceous-buff and cream-buff, 
the feathers with black centers; the wing- coverts and most of the quills are 
pale rufous; the breast is pale ochraceous-buif ; the sides are the same, barred 
with white; the middle of the belly is white. 

218. Ionornismartinica(Z^n.). Purple Gallinule. Ad.— Front 
of the crown with a bare bluish plumbeous plate; rest of the head and under 
parts rich dark purplish blue; under tail-coverts white; back shining olive- 
green; wings light blue, tinged with greenish ; bill carmine, tipped with pale 
greenish (in skins, reddish orange, tipped witli yellowish); legs yellow. Im. 
— Upper parts more or less washed with brownish ; under parts more or less 
mottled with white; plate on the head smaller; bill without orange-red. 
Downy young — Glossy black, head with numerous white, hairlike feathers; 
base of the bill yellowish, end black. L., 13-00; W., 7'10 ; Tar., 2-40; B. 
from posterior margin of nostril, -80. 

Range.— Tropical America ; breeds as far north as southern Illinois and 
South Carolina, and rarely strays northward to Wisconsin and Maine ; win- 
ters from southern Florida southward. 

Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, a platform of reed stalks built in rushes over the water or in grassy 
marshes. Eggs, eight to ten, buffy white, finely speckled with rufous-brown, 
1-60 x 1-15. 

This is a common bird in the Southern States. It winters from 
southern Florida southward and migrates northward in April. It is 
generally found associated with the Florida Gallinule, which it resem- 
bles in habits, but its much brighter color is apparent at a distance. 

219. Gallinula galeata (Licht.). Florida Gallinule. (See Fig. 
22, d.) Ad. — Dark bluish slate-color; back and scapulars washed with olive- 
brown ; belly whitish ; flanks with a few conspicuous white streaks ; under 
tail-coverts white; crown with a bare, bright-red plate; bill the same color 
tipped with yellowish ; legs greenish, reddish at the tibiae. Im. — Similar, but 
under parts grayish white; crown plate much smaller and with the bill 
brownish ; no red on the legs. Doivny young. — " Glossy black, the lower 
parts sooty along the median line ; throat and cheeks interspersed with sil- 
very white hairs" (Ridgw.). L., 13-50; W., 7'00 ; Tar., 2-15; B. from poste- 
rior margin of nostril, -80. 

Range. — Temperate and tropical America ; breeds locally as far north as 
Minnesota and southern Maine; winters from the Gulf States southward. 

Washington, rare T. V., Apl.; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, uncommon 
T. V., May ; Sept. and Oct. Sing Sing, rare S. R., June 5 to Nov. 5. Cam- 
bridge, uncommon S. R., May 10 to Oct. 1. 

Nest, of rushes on a bed of rushes or similar slight elevation in marshes, 
lagoons, or swampy lake sides. Eggs, eight to thirteen, buffy white or ochra- 
ceous-burf, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1-80 x 1*25. 

There is something about the appearance and habits of Gallinules 
which always suggests to me the thought that they are chickens who 
11 



146 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 

for unknown reasons have been forced to adopt the ways of both Coots 
and Rails. Indeed, now I think of it, the names Water-hen and Moor- 
hen are applied to near relatives of our bird. 

They frequent marshy, reed- or bush-grown shores of ponds and 
lakes, walking gracefully through the tangled vegetation. Their flight 
is short and, like a Rail, with dangling legs they drop awkwardly to the 
ground. They swim readily, and when on the water resemble a Coot, 
though they are by no means so aquatic. Their notes are loud and 
varied, and during the nesting season they are unusually noisy. Their 
common note is a loud, explosive chuck ; other calls are suggestive of 
the barnyard, and remind one of the protest of a disturbed brooding 
hen or even the squawking of a struggling fowl. In The Auk, vol. 
viii, pages 1-7, Mr. Brewster gives a detailed account of his study of a 
pair of Gallinules. 

221. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coot ; Mud-hen; Crow 
Duck ; Blue Peter. (iSee Fig. 22, e.) Ad. — Head and neck blackish ; rest of 
the plumage dark, bluish slate-color, paler below ; edge of the wing, tips of 
the secondaries, and under tail-coverts white ; bill whitish, two spots near its 
tip and crown plate brownish ; legs and feet greenish ; toes with scalloped 
flaps. Im. — Similar, but much whiter below, a slight brownish wash above ; 
crown plate much smaller. Downy young. — Blackish, white below ; throat and 
upper parts with numerous bright orange hairlike feathers ; lores red ; bill red, 
tipped with black. L., 15'00 ; W., 7*50 ; Tar., 2'25 ; B. from posterior margin 
of nostril, '80. 

Remarks. — The Coot bears a general resemblance to the Florida Gallinule, 
but, aside from the differences in color, the scalloped webbed feet of the Coot 
will always serve to distinguish them. 

Range. — North America as far north as Alaska and New Brunswick, and 
casually Greenland ; breeds locally throughout its range ; rather rare on the 
Atlantic coast during the nesting season. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May ; Sept. to Oct. 15. Long Island, 
uncommon T. V., Apl. ; not uncommon, Sept. to Nov. Sing Sing, common 
T. V., Apl. 28 to May 16 ; Sept. 22 to Nov. 13. Cambridge, T. V., rare in 
Apl. ; common Sept. to Nov. 

Nest, of reeds, grasses, etc., among reeds in fresh-water marshes. Eggs, 
eight to fifteen, pale, bufty white, finely and uniformly speckled with choco- 
late or black, 1-85 x 1-25. 

As one might imagine after seeing their lobed feet, Coots are more 
aquatic than either of the Gallinules. In the Middle States they are 
found in creeks and rivers with marshy and reed-grown shores, while 
in Florida they resort in enormous numbers to lakes covered with the 
yellow lilies locally known as "bonnets" (Nuphar); and in some of 
the large, shallow rivers, like Indian River, they may be found in 
myriads, associated with Lesser Scaup Ducks. 

In my experience they are as a rule quite shy ; but near the long 



PHALAROPES. 147 

railway pier at Titusville, Florida, where shooting is prohibited, they 
are as tame as domestic Ducks. They evidently know the boundary 
line between safety and danger, however, and when beyond the pro- 
tected limits show their usual caution. 

Coots swim easily, with a peculiar bobbing motion of the head and 
neck. When alarmed they patter over the water, using their feet as 
much as their wings. The sound produced is a characteristic one. 

They are noisy birds, and when alarmed break out into a great 
chorus of high, cackling notes which I have heard at a distance of half 
a mile. Their ivory-white bill is an excellent field mark, and readily 
serves to distinguish Coots from Gallinules. 

The European Coot {220. Fulica atra) inhabits the northern parts of the 
Old World, and sometimes occurs in Greenland. It closely resembles the 
American Coot, but lacks the white markings on the edge of the wing and 
under tail-coverts. 



ORDER LIMICOL^. SHORE BIRDS. 

Family Phalaropodid^. Phalaropes. 

There are three known members of this family: one is confined to 
the interior of North America, the other two may be called Sea Snipe, 
and are found in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. The 
webbed feet of these pelagic species enable them to swim with ease, 
and during their migrations they may be found in flocks resting upon 
the sea far from land. Their presence on our shores is largely de- 
pendent upon the weather, and during severe storms many are some- 
times found upon our coasts. Contrary to the usual rule, the female 
in this family is the larger and more brightly colored — indeed, in the 
domestic economy of the Phalarope household the female is male, ex- 
cept in the prime essentials of sex. She does the wooing, takes the 
lead in selecting the nesting site, and, although she lays the eggs, the 
duties of incubation fall upon the male. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Bill over 1-10 224. Wilson's Phalarope. 

B. Bill under 110. 

a. Bill very slender; wing under 4-75. . . 223. Northern Phalarope. 

b. Bill stout; wing over 4*75 222. Red Phalarope. 

222. Crymophilus fulicarius (Linn.). Red Phalarope; Gray 
Phalarope. (See Fig. 26, a.) Ad. in summer, — Crown and chin fuscous; 
cheeks white; back black, the feathers bordered with cream-buff; wings 
gray ; some of the secondaries and tips of greater coverts white ; upper tail- 



148 PHALAROPES. 

coverts rufous ; under parts dull, reddish brown. Ad. in winter. — Top of the 
head and under parts white ; region about the eye and back of the neck fus- 
cous ; back and scapulars dark pearl-gray ; wings grayish fuscous, the coverts 
and secondaries tipped with white ; rump and tail fuscous. Im.— U Top of the 
head, hind neck, back, and scapulars dull black, the feathers edged with ochra- 
ceous; wing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts plumbeous, the middle 
coverts bordered with pale buff, the tail-coverts with ochraceous ; head and 
neck (except as described above) and lower parts white, the throat and chest 
tinged with brownish buff. L., 8'12; W., 5'37 ; B., -87 ; Tar., -82" (Ridgw.). 

Jiange. — " Northern parts of northern hemisphere, breeding in the arctic 
regions and migrating soutli in winter; in the United States, south to the 
Middle States, Ohio Valley, and Cape St. Lucas; chiefly maritime " (A. O. U.). 

Washington, casual, one record, Oct. Long Island, not uncommon T. V., 
May ; Aug. to Nov. 

JS 7 est, a slight hollow in the ground lined with a few bits of moss and 
grasses. Eggs, three to four, similar to those of the following species, 1*25 x -90. 

This pelagic species is found in numbers some distance off our 
coasts ; it occurs on land rarely, and generally only alter storms. 

223. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.). Northern Fhalarope. Ad. 9 in 
summer. — Upper parts slaty gray ; back and scapulars edged with ochraceous- 
buff; sides and front of the neck rufous, more or less mixed with slaty gray ; 
rest of under parts white. Ad. 6 in summer. — Similar, but upper parts black, 
and with more ochraceous; sides and front of the neck mixed with fuscous. 
Ads. in winter. — Upper parts grayish, more or less mixed with white ; tips of 
greater wing-coverts and sometimes part of the secondaries white, occasion- 
ally with traces of rufous on the sides of the neck ; under parts white, more 
or less mottled with grayish on the breast. Im— Upper parts black, edged 
with straw-color ; forehead white ; under parts white, breast sometimes lightly 
washed with buffy. L., 7'75; W., 4-50 ; Tar., -80 ; B., -85. 

Kange.—" Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding in 
arctic latitudes; south in winter to the tropics" (A. 0. U.). 

Washington, casual, one record, Sept. Long Island, common T. V., Aug. 
to Nov. ; May. 

Nest, a slight hollow in the ground lined with grass and mosses. Eggs, 
three to four, pale olive-gray heavily blotched with deep chocolate, 1-18 x -83. 

During its presence off our coasts this species resembles the pre- 
ceding in habits. It is, however, more common, and under proper 
conditions sometimes occurs in larger flights. I have seen it in great 
numbers about one hundred miles off Barnegat, New Jersey, in May. 
For several hours the steamer passed through flocks of these Sea 
Snipe, which were swimming on the ocean. They arose in a body at 
our approach, and in close rank whirled away to the right or left in 
search of new feeding grounds. 

224. Phalaropus tricolor ( Vieill.). Wilson's Phalarope. Ad. 
9 in summer.— Top of the head and middle of the back pearl-gray, nape 



AVOCETS AND STILTS. 149 

white ; a black streak passes through the eye to the side of the neck and, 
changing to rufous-chestnut, continues down the sides of the back and on the 
scapulars ; neck and upper breast washed with pale, brownish rufous ; rest of 
the under parts and upper tail-coverts white. Ad. 6 in summer. — Upper parts 
fuscous-brown, bordered with grayish brown ; upper tail-coverts, nape, and a 
line over the eye white or whitish ; sides of the neck and breast washed with 
rufous; rest of the under parts white. Ads. in winter.— Upper parts gray, 
margined with white; upper tail-coverts white; wings fuscous, their cove/ts 
margined with bully ; under parts white. Im.— " Top of head, back, and 
scapulars dusky blackish, the feathers distinctly bordered with buff; wing- 
coverts also bordered with pale buff or whitish ; upper tail-coverts, superciliary 
stripe, and lower parts white, the neck tinged with buff" (Ridgw.). 6 L., 
S-75; W., 4-75; Tar., 1-20; B., 1-20. $ L., 9'50 ; W., 5'25; Tar., 1-30; B., 1-30. 

Range. — " Temperate North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding from 
northern Illinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region; south in 
winter to Brazil and Patagonia" (A. O. U.). 

Long Island, casual, Aug., Sept., and Oct. 

Xzst, a shallow depression in soft earth lined with a thin layer of frag- 
ments of grass. Eggs, three to four, cream-buff or buffy white, heavily 
blotched with deep chocolate, 1'28 x -94. (See Nelson, Bull. Nutt. Orn. 
Club, ii, 1879, pp. 38-43.) 

" These birds are rare in the Eastern States, abundant in the Mis- 
sissippi Valley, and quite common westward within their range. They 
inhabit the marshes, swales, and edges of shallow ponds, feeding upon 
minute snails and other small forms of life that abound in their aquatic 
haunts, procuring the same chiefly by running over the moist ground 
or wading in the short growths of water grasses. They swim buoy- 
antly, but seldom long at a time or far from the shore, and I never 
saw one dive or make an attempt to do so, but, when frightened, pre- 
fer to escape by flight, which is strong, but at such times in a zigzag 
and wavy manner, dropping back as soon as out of danger. As a rule 
they are not timid, and are easily approached. Their motions, whether 
upon the land or water, are easy and pleasing, gracefully nodding the 
head or picking from side to side as they go " (Goss). 

Family Eecurvirostrid^:. Avocets and Stilts. 

The eleven species comprising this family are distributed through- 
out the warmer parts of the world. They are generally found in 
flocks, and may be called Wading Snipe. They feed in shallow water, 
wading to their heels, and when necessary swimming with ease. 

225. Recurvirostra americana Gmel. American Avocet. Ad. 
in summer. — Head and neck cinnamon-rufous, back and tail white, scapulars 
and primaries black ; middle coverts, tips of the greater ones, and part of sec- 
ondaries white; belly white, bill turned upward. Ad. in winter and Im.-~ 



150 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

Generally similar, but head and neck white or pearl-gray. L., 16*50; W., 
9-00 ; Tar., 3*75 ; B., 3*75. 

Range. — Temperate North America; rare or accidental on the Atlantic 
coast; breeds from Illinois, and rarely Texas, northward to the Saskatche- 
wan ; winters along the Gulf coast and southward. 

Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground in marshy places. Eggs, three to 
four, pale olive or buffy clay-color, thickly spotted with chocolate, 1*95 x 1-35. 

Avocets are common birds in parts of the interior, but are rare on 
the Atlantic coast. They frequent shores and shallow pools, and in 
searching for shells, crustaceans, etc., their peculiar recurved bill is 
used in a most interesting manner. Dropping it beneath the surface 
of the water until its convexity touches the bottom, they move rap- 
idly forward, and with every step swing their bill from side to side, as 
a mower does his scythe. In this way they secure food which the 
muddy water would prevent them from seeing. 

226. Himantopus mexicanus (Mull.). Black-necked Stilt. 
Ad. $ .—A white spot above and another below the eye ; front of the head, 
front of the neck, lower back, rump, and under parts white ; tail grayish ; rest 
of the plumage glossy, greenish black. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with the back 
fuscous-brown. Im. — Similar to the preceding, but head and neck more or 
less marked with white ; back and scapulars bordered with white or whitish. 
L., 15-00; W., 9-00; Tar., 4*15; B., 2-00. 

Range.— Tropical America, breeding northward to the Gulf coast and 
" locally and rarely " up the Mississippi Valley as far as Minnesota ; rare on 
the Atlantic coast north of Florida, but straying sometimes as far as Maine. 

Long Island, A. V. 

Nest, a slight depression in the ground lined with grasses. Eggs, three 
to four, olive or buffy clay-color, thickly spotted with chocolate, 1*70 x 1-25. 

Stilts are fond of wading in shallow ponds in salt marshes, and are 
graceful and alert in their movements. During the nesting season 
they become very noisy, and at nightfall I have heard them utter their 
froglike croak as they darted erratically about over the marshes. 

Family Scolopacid^]. Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. 

About one hundred species are considered as belonging to this 
family. They are distributed throughout the world, but during the 
breeding season are mostly confined to the northern parts of the north- 
ern hemisphere. Some forty-five species are found in North America. 
With the Plovers they constitute the great group known as Shore 
Birds or Bay Birds, and with few exceptions they are rarely found far 
from the vicinity of water. Generally speaking, they are more abun- 
dant on the coast than in the interior, but many species are quite as 
numerous inland as they are near the sea. As a rule, they migrate 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 151 

and pass the winter in flocks, but they are not gregarious during the 
nesting season. 

Their long bills serve the purpose of both probes and forceps. 
Most of the species probe the soft mud for food, while some are known 
to have the power of moving the upper mandible independently of 
the lower one, curving it at the tip as one would a finger. 

Snipes are not supposed to be song birds, but during the breeding 
season many species are highly and peculiarly musical, and at other 
times of the year they utter characteristic whistles. These are sus- 
ceptible of imitation, and the birds are quick to respond to an imita- 
tion of their notes. The sportsman concealed in his " blind," there- 
fore, calls to passing birds, and with the aid of wooden decoys easily 
draws them within gunshot. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Bill 2-00 or over. 

A. Axillars * barred with black. 

a. Bill curved downward. 

a 1 . Bill over 3*00, under 4*50 265. Hudsonian Curlew. 

a 2 . Bill under 3*00 266. Eskimo Curlew. 

a 2 . Bill over 4*50 264. Long-billed Curlew. 

b. Bill straight or curved slightly upward. 
b 1 . Tail-feathers with numerous black bars. 

b 2 . Wing over 7*00, primaries black or fuscous. 

254. Greater Yellow-legs. 
b*. Wing over 7'00, inner web of primaries buff or rufous. 

249. Marbled Godwit. 
&*. Wing under 7*00, bill widened and pitted at the tip. 

231. Dowitcher. 232. Long-billed Dowitcher. 
c 1 . Tail black with a broad rufous tip or marked with rufous. 
c 2 . Outer web of primary with rufous bars. 

227. European Woodcock. 
c 3 . Primaries not barred 230. Wilson's Snipe. 

B. Axillars not barred. 

a. Axillars rufous or ochraceous-buff. 

a 1 . Bill over 5*00, much curved downward. 

264. Long-billed Curlew. 
a 2 . Bill nearly straight, between 3*50 and 5'00. 

249. Marbled Godwit. 
a 3 . Bill straight, under 3*50 228. American Woodcock. 

b. Axillars black. 

b 1 . Under parts chestnut-rufous, barred with black. 

251. Hudsonian Godwit. 
J 2 . Under parts white, with or without blackish bars. 

258. Willet. 258a. Western Willet. 

* See Fig. 64. 



152 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

II. Bill under 2 00. 

A. Tail with cross-bars. 

a. Wing over 5'75. 

ft 1 . Outer tail-feathers white, more or less barred ; outer primary with- 
out bars 255. Yellow-legs. 

ft 2 . Outer primary with numerous black bars. 

261. Bartramian Sandpiper. 

b. Wing under 5*75. 

b 1 . Under parts white, with numerous round blackish spots ; upper parts 
brownish gray, barred with blackish . . 263. Spotted Sandpiper. 

b 2 . Under parts white, breast streaked with blackish ; upper parts fus- 
cous, spotted with white 256. Solitary Sandpiper. 

b 2 . Under parts tinged with bufTy, inner web of outer primary speckled 
with blackish 262. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 

b 4 . Under parts white, breast washed with grayish, inner primaries and 
secondaries with a concealed white patch. 

263. Spotted Sandpiper (Im.). 

B. Tail without cross-bars, toes 4. 

a. Bill over 1*10. 

a 1 . Middle upper tail-coverts with cross-bars or streaks. 

ft 2 . Tarsus over 1*50 233. Stilt Sandpiper. 

a 3 . Tarsus under 1*50, wing under 6*00. . 244. Curlew Sandpiper. 

a 4 . Tarsus under 1-50, wing over 6*00 234. Knot. 

b 1 . Middle upper tail-coverts black or fuscous, without bars; bill 
straight. 
b 2 . Tarsus under 1*50 ; upper parts blackish, more or less margined 

with gray 235. Purple Sandpiper. 

o 3 . Tarsus under 1*50 ; upper parts more or less margined with rufous. 

239. Pectoral Sandpiper. 

6*. Tarsus over 1-50 260. Kuff. 

c 1 . Middle upper tail-coverts grayish, bill curved slightly downward. 

243ft. Ked-backed Sandpiper. 

b. Bill under 1-10. 

b 1 . Wing under 4*00. 
b 2 . Toes partly webbed. 

246. Semipalmated Sandpiper. 247. Western Sandpiper. 

b*. Toes not webbed 242. Least Sandpiper. 

C l . Wing over 4'00, inner webs of primaries plain. 

6- 2 . Breast white or whitish, streaked or spotted with blackish ; mid- 
dle upper tail-coverts white . . 240. Wiiite-rumped Sandpiper. 
cs. Breast buffy, heavily spotted or streaked with blackish ; middle 
upper tail-coverts black, slightly margined with rufous. 

239. Pectoral Sandpiper. 
c*. Breast buffy lightly spotted or streaked with black ; middle upper 
tail-coverts fuscous, lightly margined with bufTy. 

241. Baird's Sandpiper. 
dK Wing over 4*00, inner webs of primaries speckled. 

262. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 

C. Tail without cross-bars, toes 3 248. Sanderlino. 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 153 

228. Philohela minor (Gmel.). American Woodcock. Ad.— Front 
of the crown slaty, washed with butF, an indistinct blackish line in its center, 
and another from the eye to the bill; back of the head black, with two or 
three bars of ochraceous-buft"; rest of the upper parts black, margined with 
slaty and barred and mottled with rufous or ochraceous-butf ; tip of the tail 
ashy gray above, silvery beneath; under parts between ochraceous-buft' and 
rufous; three outer primaries very narrow and much stiffened. L., 11*00; 
W., 5-40; Tar., 1-25; B., 2'00. 

Range. — Eastern North America north to Labrador and Manitoba, breed- 
ing nearly throughout its range, but not commonly in the southern part of it; 
winters from southern Illinois and Virginia southward. 

Washington, rather common from Feb. to Nov.; a few winter. Long 
Island, common S. R. ; a few winter. Sing Sing, common S. K., Feb. 19 to 
Dec. 2. Cambridge, S. R., formerly common, fast becoming rare ; Mch. to Nov. 

Nest, of a few dry leaves, on the ground in the woods. Eggs, four, bully, 
distinctly and obscurely spotted with shades of rufous, 1*60 x 1-23. 

During the spring and early summer this Owl among Snipe haunts 
low, wooded bottom-lands ; in August, while molting, it resorts to corn- 
fields near woods, and in the fall migrating birds frequent wooded up- 
lands. But at all times it requires a soft, moist earth in which it may 
easily probe with its long bill for its fare of earthworms. The holes 
it makes are known as "borings." They are generally found in little 
groups, and are, of course, certain evidence of the presence of Wood- 
cock. It has recently been discovered by Mr. Gurdon Trumbull that 
the Woodcock can move the tip of its upper mandible independently 
of the lower one, and this organ is made to act as a finger to assist the 
bird in drawing its food from the ground. 

The flight of the Woodcock is sometimes accompanied by a high, 
whistling sound produced by its narrow, stiffened primaries in beating 
the air. When flushed near its nest or young, the parent bird gen- 
erally feigns lameness or a broken wing, and leads the intruder some 
distance from its treasures before taking wing. 

The cloak of night always lends a certain mystery to the doings of 
nocturnal birds, and more often than not their habits justify onr un- 
usual interest in them. How many evenings have I tempted the ma- 
laria germs of Jersey lowlands to watch the Woodcock perform his 
strange sky dance ! He begins on the ground with a formal, periodic 
peent, peent, an incongruous preparation for the wild rush that follows. 
It is repeated several times before he springs from the ground and on 
whistling wings sweeps out on the first loop of a spiral which may 
take him 800 feet from the ground. Faster and faster he goes, louder 
and shriller sounds his wing-song; then, after a moment's pause, with 
darting, headlong flight, he pitches in zigzags to the earth, uttering as 
he falls a clear, twittering whistle. He generally returns to near the 



154 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

place from which he arose, and the peent is at once resumed as a pre- 
liminary to another round in the sky. 

The European Woodcock (227. Scolopax rusticola) bears a general re- 
semblance to our Woodcock, but is much larger; the under parts are barred 
with black, the wings are barred with rufous, and the outer primaries are not 
emarginate. It is of accidental occurrence in eastern North America. 

230. GallinagO delicata ( Ord). Wilson's Snipe ; English Snipe. 

Ad. — Upper parts black, barred, bordered, and mottled with different shades 
of cream-buff; wings fuscous ; outer edge of outer primary and tips of greater 
coverts white; throat white; neck and breast ochraceous-buff, indistinctly 
streaked with blackish ; belly white, sides barred with black ; under tail- 
coverts buffy, barred with black ; outer tail-feathers barred with black and 
white, inner ones black, barred with rufous at their ends and tipped with 
whitish. L., 11-25; W., 5-00; Tar., 1-20; B., 2-50. 

Range. — North America, breeding from southern Minnesota, northern Illi- 
nois, northwestern Pennsylvania, and Connecticut northward to Hudson Bay 
and Labrador, and wintering from southern Illinois and South Carolina to 
northern South America. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May 5; fall; occasional in winter. 
Long Island, common T. V., Mch. and Apl. ; Aug. to Oct. Sing Sing, tol- 
erably common T. V., Mch. 20 to May 6 ; Oct. 6 to Nov. 20. Cambridge, com- 
mon T. V., Apl. 5 to May 5 ; Sept. and Oct. 

Eggs, three to four, olive, clay-color, or brownish ashy, heavily marked 
with chocolate, principally at the larger end, 1-60 x 1*17. 

Wilson's Snipe frequents fresh-water meadows and swamps, and 
in spring is often found in low-lying swales in meadows or mowing 
fields, but, excepting in very dry seasons, it seldom alights on salt 
marshes. At times, especially in winter or early spring, when the 
meadows are covered with snow or ice, it resorts to springy runs 
wooded with alders, birches, and maples, but as a rule it prefers open 
places. Two things are essential to its requirements — ground so 
thoroughly water-soaked as to afford slight resistance to its long and 
highly sensitive bill when probing, and such concealment as tussocks, 
hillocks, or long grass afford, for, unlike the Sandpipers, the Snipe 
rarely ventures out on bare mud flats, save under cover of darkness. 
Although less strictly nocturnal than the Woodcock, it feeds and mi- 
grates chiefly by night or in " thick " weather. Its migratory move- 
ments are notoriously erratic, and meadows which one day are alive 
with birds may be quite deserted the next, or the reverse. 

Dear to our sportsmen is Wilson's Snipe, partly because of the ex- 
cellence of its flesh, but chiefly from the fact that it furnishes a mark 
which taxes their skill to the utmost, and which no mere novice need 
hope to hit, unless by accident ; for the bird's flight is swift and tortu- 
ous, and it springs from the grass as if thrown by a catapult, uttering 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 155 

a succession of hoarse, rasping scaipes which have a peculiarly start- 
ling effect on inexperienced nerves. 

In the springtime— and occasionally in autumn also— Wilson's 
Snipe mounts to a considerable height above his favorite meadows and 
darts downward with great velocity, making at each descent a low yet 
penetrating, tremulous sound which suggests the winnowing of a domes- 
tic Pigeon's wings, or, if heard at a distance, the bleating of a goat, and 
which is thought to be produced by the rushing of the air through the 
wings of the Snipe. This performance may be sometimes witnessed in 
broad daylight when the weather is stormy, but ordinarily it is re- 
served for the morning and evening twilight'and for moonlight nights, 
when it is often kept up for hours in succession. 

Besides this "drumming" or "bleating," as it is called, the Snipe, 
while mating, sometimes makes another peculiar sound, a kuk-kuk- 
Mk-kuk-kup, evidently vocal and occasionally accompanying a slow 
labored, and perfectly direct flight, at the end of which the bird alights 
on a tree or fence post for a few moments.— William Brewster. 

The European Snipe {229, Gallinago gallinago) inhabits the northern 
parts of the Old World, is of frequent occurrence in Greenland, and accidental 
in the Bermudas. 

231. Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel). Dowitcheb. (See Figs. 
25, a, 26, c.) Ad. in summer.— Upper parts, tertials, and wing-coverts black, the 
feathers edged or barred with ochraceous-buff or rufous ; rump, upper tail- 
coverts, and tail barred with black and more or less ochraceous-buff; prima- 
ries fuscous ; under parts dull, pale rufous, whitish on the belly, more or less 
spotted and barred with black. Ad. in winter.— Upper parts brownish gray ; 
rump and tail barred with black and white; throat and breast washed with 
ashy, belly white, sides and under tail-coverts barred with black. Im.— Upper 
parte black, the feathers edged with rufous; rump and tail barred with black 
and white, and sometimes washed with rufous ; secondaries widely edged with 
white ; under parts more or less washed with ochraceous-buff and obscurely 
spotted with blackish. L., 10-50 ; W., 5-75 ; Tar., 1-30 ; B., 2-05-2-50. 

Remarks.— The barred tail and tail-coverts, with the peculiar flattened, 
pitted tip of the bill, are characteristic of this and the next species. 

Range.— Eastern North America, breeding within the Arctic Circle, and 
wintering from Florida to South America. 

Washington, casual, one specimen, Sept. Long Island, common T. V. 
May ; July to Sept. 15. 

Eggs, four, light buffy olive, distinctly spotted and speckled, especially 
about the larger end, with deep brown, 1-65 x 1-13 (Ridgw.). 

The Dowitchers are among our best-known Bay Birds. They 
migrate in compact flocks which are easily attracted to decoys by an 
imitation of their call Mud-flats and bars exposed by the falling'tide 
are their chosen feeding grounds. On the Gulf coast of Florida fhave 



156 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

seen several hundred gathered in such close rank that they entirely 
concealed the sandbar on which they were resting. 

232. Maerorhamphus scolopaceus (Sat/). Long-billed Dow- 
itcher; Western Dowitcher. Ad. in summer. — Similar to the preceding, 
but averaging larger ; the bill especially is longer, the under parts are more 
uniformly rufous, and the sides are more heavily barred witli black. Ad. in 
winter and Im. — To be distinguished from the corresponding stages of M. gri- 
seus only by their larger size. W., 6'00 ; Tar., 1*50 ; B M 2-10-2-90. 

Range. — " Mississippi Valley and western province of North America from 
Mexico to Alaska ; less common, but of regular occurrence along the Atlantic 
coast of the United States" (A. 0. U.). 

Washington, casual, seven shot in Apl. Long Island, casual, July to Oct. 

Eggs, four, not distinguishable from those of the preceding species. 

This is a bird of the interior and Western States, and occurs on our 
coasts as a rare but regular late fall migrant. It resembles the pre- 
ceding species in habits, but the baymen who " gun " for Snipe say 
they can recognize it by its somewhat different notes. Like the Wood- 
cock, Wilson's Snipe, and its near ally, M. griseus, the male utters a 
flight song in the nesting season. It is well described by Mr. E. W. 
Nelson in his Report on Collections made in Alaska, p. 101. 

233* Micropalama himantopus (Eonap.). Stilt Sandpiper. 
Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black, bordered with grayish and buffy ; ear- 
coverts and an indistinct line around the back of the head rufous ; second- 
aries grayish, edged with white ; primaries fuscous ; rump ashy : upper tail- 
coverts barred with black and white; outer tail-feathers with broken dusky 
bars, inner ones with central streaks or margins of brownish gray or white ; 
under parts white, heavily barred with fuscous. Ad. in winter.— Upper parts 
brownish gray; upper tail-coverts white ; tail white, margined with brownish 
gray; under parts white; the throat, neck, and sides indistinctly streaked or 
washed with grayish. 7w— Similar to the preceding, but the upper parts black- 
ish, margined with ochraceous-buff. L., 8*25; W., 5-00; Tar., 1-60; B., 1-55. 

Remarlcs.— The distinguishing characters of this species are the flattened, 
pitted tip of the bill, in connection with the very long tarsi. 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding within the Arctic Circle, and 
wintering as far south as South America. 

Washington, casual, one record. Long Island, not uncommon T. V., May ; 
July to Oct. 10. 

Eggs, three to four, pale grayish buff, or grayish buffy white, boldly spotted 
with rich vandyke-brown and purplish gray, 1-42 x 1-00 (Eidgw.). 

Colonel N. S. Goss, in his admirable Birds of Kansas, writes that 
he has observed this species along the edges of old channels of rivers 
or muddy pools of water, in which it wades while feeding; immersing 
the head and feeling with its sensitive bill in the thin mud for food. 
It moves about rather slowly as compared with the true Sandpipers, 
and at times will try and avoid detection by squatting close to the 



SJSIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. I57 

ground, flying only as a last resort, and then darting swiftly away 
with a sharp tweet, tweet. 

234. Tringa canutus Linn. Knot; Kobin Snipe; Gray Snipe. 
(See Figs. 25, b, 26, b.) Ad. in summer.— Upper parts barred and streaked with 
black and white and rufous ; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with whitish ; 
under parts dull rufous ; lower belly white or whitish, sides sometimes with 
black bars. (According to George H. Mackay, it requires about four years 
for birds to acquire this plumage. See Auk, x, 1893, p. 25.) Im.— Upper parts 
plain brownish gray ; upper tail-coverts barred with black and white, tail 
brownish gray ; breast and sides barred with black, belly white. Young.— 
Upper parts pale brownish gray ; head streaked with blackish ; back, wing- 
coverts, an4 scapulars with distinct black and white borders ; upper tail-cov- 
erts barred with blackish ; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with white ; 
under parts white ; breast finely streaked or spotted with blackish ; flanks 
barred or streaked with blackish. L., 10*50; W., 6-75; Tar., 1*20; B., 1-30. 

Range.— Northern hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, and in 
America wintering from Florida to South America. 

Long Island, not uncommon T. V., May 15 to June 10 ; July 15 to Nov. 

Eggs, known from only one specimen collected in the vicinity of Fort 
Conger by General Greely, and described as u light pea-green, closely spotted 
with brown in small specks about the size of a pinhead," 1*10 x 1*00 (see 
Merriam, Auk, ii, 1885, p. 313). 

Knots feed along the beaches on the small crustaceans and mol- 
lusca brought in by the waves, and they also frequent muddy places, 
where, like the true Snipe, they probe the ground for food. They 
decoy with ease, " bunching " so closely as they wheel into the stools 
that the entire flock is sometimes killed by a single discharge. Mr. 
George H. Mackay, in one of his careful and detailed studies of our 
Shore Birds, describes their notes as a soft wah-quoit and a little honk. 
The first is particularly noticeable when flocks are coming to the de- 
coys (see Auk, x, 1893, pp. 25-35). 

235. Tringa maritima Brunn. Purple Sandpiper. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Upper parts black, margined with ochraceous-buff and cream- buff; 
win^s fuscous-gray, greater coverts margined with white and some seconda- 
ries entirely white ; upper tail-coverts fuscous, outer tail-feathers ashy gray, 
inner ones fuscous ; throat and breast brownish gray, streaked with black ; 
belly white, sides and under tail-coverts streaked with brownish gray. Win- 
ter plumage. — Head, neck, breast, and sides ashy, the two latter margined 
with white ; back fuscous, margined with ashy ; wines fuscous, the coverts, 
secondaries, and tertials distinctly bordered with white; upper tail-coverts 
and middle tail-feathers black or fuscous, outer tail-feathers ashy ; belly and 
lininors of the wings white. L., 9-00 ; W., 5-00 ; Tar., 9-00 ; B., 1-40. 

Remarks. — The brownish gray or ashy breast of this species is a good 
distinguishing character. 

Range. — " Northern portions of the northern hemisphere ; in North Amer- 



158 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

ica chiefly in the northeastern portion, breeding in the high north," south in 
winter to the Great Lakes and Long Island, and casually to Florida. 

Long Island, uncommon W. V., Nov. 1 to Men. 1. Cambridge, casual, one 
instance, Oct. 

Eggs, three to four, olive clay-color or brownish ashy, heavily marked 
with rufous-brown, 1*45 x 1-08. 

This bird might be called Winter Snipe or Rock Snipe. Indeed, I 
find the latter name has been applied to it from its habit of frequent- 
ing rocky coasts, where it secures its food in the algoe attached to rocks 
exposed by the falling tide. 

239. Tringa maculata Vieill. Pectoral Sandpiper; Krieker. 
Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black, the feathers all heavily bordered with 
pale ochraceous-buff ; rump and upper tail-coverts black, lightly tipped with 
ochraceous-buff ; middle tail-feathers longest, pointed and margined with 
bully ; outer tail-feathers brownish gray, narrowly margined with white ; 
throat white, neck and breast heavily streaked with black and buffy ; rest of 
under parts white. Winter plumage. — Similar, but ochraceous-buff of upper 
parts replaced by rufous, and breast heavily washed with buffy. L., 9.00 ; W., 
5-40* Tar., 1-10; B., 115. 

Remarks. — This bird somewhat resembles both T.fuscicoUis and T.bairdii y 
but it differs from them in its larger size, black instead of white or fuscous 
upper tail- coverts, and longer, more pointed middle tail-feathers. 

Range. — North America; breeds in the arctic regions and winters in the 
West Indies and South America. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. ; Aug. to Nov. Long Island, T. V., 
rare in spring, common from July 15 to Nov. 1. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Sept # 
10 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, irregular and uncommon in Sept, and Oct. 

Eggs, four, drab, sometimes with a greenish tinge, blotched with clear 
amber-brown markings, more numerous at the larger end, 1*50 x 1*09 (Mur- 
doch). 

The names Grass Snipe and Krieker describe with equal truth and 
conciseness the haunts and notes of this Snipe. It frequents wet, 
grassy meadows rather than beaches, and, although it flies in flocks, 
the birds scatter while feeding and take wing one or more at a time. 
They thus remind one of Wilson's Snipe. Their note is a squeaky, 
grating whistle. They will respond to an imitation of it, but do not 
decoy so readily as the larger Bay Birds. Mr. E. W. Nelson writes* 
that during the breeding season the male inflates its breast and throat 
until they are double their normal size, and utters a deep, hollow, reso- 
nant note. 

240. Tringa fUscicollis VUUL White-bumped Sandpiper. Ad. 
in summer— Upper parts black, edged with rufous; rump grayish fuscous, 
margined with ashy ; longer upper tail-coverts white, with sometimes brownish- 



* Rep. on Nat. Hist. Colls, made in Alaska, p. 108. 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 159 

gray markings ; central tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones brownish gray ; upper 
throat white; neck, breast, and bides distinctly streaked and spotted with 
black and more or less washed with ochraceous-buff. Winter plumage.— 
" Upper parts plain brownish gray, with indistinct, narrowed, mesial streaks 
of dusky; otherwise as in summer, but streaks on chest, etc., less distinct" 
(TCidgw.). Im. — Similar to summer examples, but the feathers of the upper 
parts with rounded whitish or ochraceous-buff tips; breast less distinctly 
streaked. L., 7'50 ; W., 4-90 ; Tar., -90 ; B., -95. 

Remarks. — The white upper tail-coverts distinguish this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the arctic regions and win- 
tering as far south as the Falkland Islands. 

Long Island, not uncommon T. V., July 20 to Oct 10. Sing Sing, casual 
T. V., Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, light olive, or olive brownish, spotted (usually rather 
finely) with deep brown and dull, purplish gray, 1*37 x -9-4 (Ridgw.). 

"They frequent the sandy beach as well as the marshy shores 
upon the coast, but inland seem to prefer the edges of pools of 
water upon the uplands. They move in small flocks, are very social, 
often associating with other waders, are not as a rule shy or timid, 
and, when startled, usually fly but a short distance, drop back, and 
run about in an unconcerned and heedless manner, picking up the 
minute forms of life that usually abound in such places, occasionally 
uttering a rather sharp, piping weet, weet. Their flight is swift and 
well sustained " (Goss). 

24 1. Tringa bairdii ( Coues). Baird's Sandpiper. Ad. in summer. — 
Upper parts fuscous; feathers of the crown and nape margined laterally with 
pale buffy ; back and scapulars tipped with pale bulfy or brownish gray ; 
middle upper tail-coverts fuscous, sometimes tipped with buffy ; central tail- 
feathers fuscous, margined with whitish, outer ones pale brownish gray ; throat 
white ; breast washed with buffy and lightly spotted or streaked with fuscous ; 
sides and belly w r hite. Im. — Similar, but the back, scapulars, and wing-cov- 
erts with rounded white tips. (In the winter these tips are more or less worn 
off.) L., 7*40 ; W., 4-90 ; Tar., -90 ; B., -85. 

Remarks. — This bird most closely resembles T. fuscicollis. In any plum- 
age it may be known from that species by the fuscous instead of white middle 
upper tail-coverts. In summer it differs also in the absence of rufous above, 
the less heavily spotted throat, and the white instead of spotted sides. In 
winter the chief distinguishing marks of the two species, aside from the dif- 
ferently colored upper tail-coverts, are the buffy breast and generally paler 
upper parts of bairdii. 

Range. — Interior of North America, breeding in the arctic regions and 
migrating southward to South America; rare on the Atlantic coast. 

Washington, casual, one record. Long Island, casual, Aug. 

Eggs, three to four, light, creamy buff, sometimes tinged with rusty, 
thickly speckled and spotted with deep reddish brown or chestnut, 1*30 x -93 
(Ridgw.). 



160 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 



" In habits they are similar to the White-rumped (which they so 
closely resemble), but are more inclined to wander from the water's 
edge. I have flashed the birds on high prairie lands, at least a mile 
from the water " (Gross). 

242* Tringa minutilla Vieill. Least Sandpiper ; Meadow Oxeye ; 
Peep. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black or fuscous, edged and tipped 
with buffy or rufous ; rump and middle upper tail-coverts plain black or fus- 
cous ; central tail-feathers black or fuscous, outer ones ashy gray ; upper throat 

white ; neck and breast white or buffy, 
streaked with fuscous ; belly and sides 
white. Im. — Similar, but feathers of 
the back with rounded rufous or butfy 
tips ; breast not distinctly streaked. 
Winter plumage. — Upper parts brown- 
ish gray, sometimes with more or less 
black in the centers of the feathers ; 
breast white or ashy, not distinctly 
streaked. L., 6*00; W., 3-50; Tar., 
•70 ; B., -75. 

Remarks. — This is the smallest of 
our Sandpipers, and can be confused 




Fig. 



12.— Least Sandpiper. 
(Natural size.) 



only with Ereunetes pusillus, from which, however, it may always be distin- 
guished by the absence of webs between the bases of the toes. 

Range. — North America, breeding in the arctic regions and wintering from 
the Gulf States to South America. 

Washington, uncommon T. V., May ; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, abun- 
dant T. V., Apl. 25 through May; July through Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common T. V., May 9 to May 22; Oct. 3. Cambridge, very common T. V M 
May 25 to May 31 ; July 20 to Aug. 31. 

Eggs, three to four, pale, grayish buffy, varying to pale brownish^ thickly 
spotted, speckled, or sprinkled with deep chestnut and dull, purpli&h gray, 
1-15 x -83 (Ridgw.). 

This, the smallest of our Sandpipers, is frequently associated with 
its larger cousin the Semipalmated Sandpiper on the shores and 
beaches, but it also visits the grassy meadows, and for this reason is 
known by baymen as the " Meadow Oxeye." 

243a. Tringa alpina pacifica ( Coues). Red-backed Sandpiper; 
Leadback. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts broadly margined with rufous, the 
centers of the feathers black, wings brownish gray ; breast whitish, lightly 
streaked with blackish ; middle of the belly with a large black patch, lower 
belly white. Im. — Upper parts blackish, the feathers with rounded tips of 
rufous or buffy ; breast washed with buffy and indistinctly streaked with 
blackish ; belly spotted with black. Winter plumage. — Upper parts brown- 
ish gray; middle upper tail-coverts fuscous; wing-coverts brownish gray 
margined with buffy; throat white; breast a.^iy, indistinctly streaked; belly 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 



161 



white, the sides sometimes spotted with black. L., 8*00 ; W., 4*75 ; Tar., TOO ; 
B., 1-50. 

Remarks. — There is, of course, every degree of intergradation between 
summer and winter plumage, but the species may always be known by its 
slightly curved bill. 

Range. — North America, breeding in the arctic regions and wintering from 
Florida southward ; rare in the interior. 

Washington, rare T. V., Apl. ; Oct. Long Island, T. V., uncommon in 




Fig. 63.— Red-backed Sandpiper. (Natural size.) 



spring, Apl. 1 to May 15 ; common in fall, Aug. 31 through Oct. Sing Sing, 
tolerably common T. V. in fall, Oct. 3 to Oct. 24. Cambridge, casual, one 
instance, Oct. 

Eggs, three to four, varying from pale, bluish white to ochraceous-buff, 
heavily marked with chocolate, chieliy at the larger end, 1*43 x 1*01. 

Generally speaking, this is a shore or beach bird, though it also 
visits grassy marshes. It flies and feeds in flocks, and is an unsus- 
picious, rather stupid little Snipe, less active than most members of 
this family. The gray-plumaged fall birds are known as " Leadbacks," 
while in the spring they go by the names " Blackbreast " or " Redback." 

The Dunlin (243. Tringa alpina) is the Old- World representative of our 
Eed-backed Sandpiper, from which it differs only in being less brightly 
colored and somewhat smaller. L., about 7'40 ; W~., 4-12-4-50; Tar., -78-90 ; 
B., 1-05-1-25. It is of casual occurrence in North America. 

The Curlew Sandpiper {244. Tringa ferruginea) inhabits the eastern 
hemisphere, and occurs casually in eastern North America. It has been re- 
corded from Ontario, Nova Scotia, Maine, Massachusetts, and Long Island. 

246* Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.). Semipalmated Sandpiper ; Sand 
Oxeye ; Peep. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black or fuscous, margined with 
brownish gray and a small amount of rufous; rump grayish brown; upper 
tail-coverts blackish ; tail-feathers brownish gray, central ones darkest ; breast 
streaked or spotted with blackish. Im. — Similar, but upper parts and wing- 
coverts blackish, with rounded rufous or buffy tips to the feathers ; breast un- 
12 



162 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

streaked, tinted with buffy. Winter plumage. — Upper parts brownish gray, 
with darker shaft streaks ; upper tail-coverts darker ; under parts white, some- 
times with faint streaks on the breast. L., 6*30 ; W., 3-75 ; Tar., -75 ; B., -65-80. 

Remarks. — The small size of this and the next species prevents their be- 
ing confused with any other except Tringa minutilla, from which they may 
always be known by their partially webbed toes. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds in the arctic regions, and winters 
from the Gulf States southward through Brazil. 

Washington, rare T. V., May ; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, abundant T. V., 
May ; July through Sept. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall, Aug. 14 to Oct. 
20. Cambridge, very common in Aug. and Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, pale, dull grayish buff, sprinkled, speckled, or spotted 
with dark brown and purplish gray, 1*21 x -85 (Eidgw.). 

The thought of these little Sandpipers always creates a mental pic- 
ture of a long stretch of dazzling beach with its ever-changing surf- 
line. I hear the oft-repeated booming of the rolling, tumbling break- 
ers, and in the distance see a group of tiny forms hurrying to and fro 
over the sand smoothed by the frothy waves. With what nimble grace- 
fulness they follow the receding waves, searching for treasures cast up 
by the sea ! What contentment and good-fellowship are expressed by 
their cheery, conversational twitterings ! Up and. down the beach they 
run, now advancing, now retreating, sometimes, in their eagerness, ven- 
turing too far, when the waters threaten to ingulf them, and in momen- 
tary confusion they take wing and hover back to a place of safety. 
Suddenly, as though at a signal, they are off; a compact flock moving 
as one bird, twisting and turning to right and left, now gleaming white 
as the sun strikes their snowy bodies, now dark again like a wisp of 
sunless cloud flying before the wind. 

247. Ereunetes OCcidentalis Lawr. Western Semipalmated 
Sandpiper.— This bird closely resembles the preceding, from which, in sum- 
mer plumage, it differs in having the upper parts conspicuously margined 
with rufous and the breast more heavily streaked. In fall and winter plum- 
age the differences in coloration are not so apparent, but the birds are to be 
distinguished at any season by the size of the bill, which in the western spe- 
cies always averages longer. W., 3-80 ; Tar., 80 ; B., -85-1-20. 

Range. — Western North America; breeds in the arctic regions, and win- 
ters from the Gulf States to South America ; occasional on the Atlantic coast. 

Long Island, uncommon T. V., occurring with E. pusillus. 

Eggs, three to four, deep cinnamon buffy, sprinkled, speckled, or thickly 
spotted with bright rusty brown or chestnut, the general aspect decidedly 
rusty, 1-24 x -87 (Ridgw.). 

This western representative of the preceding species is sometimes 
found on our coasts associated with its eastern relative. In Florida, 
particularly on the Gulf coast, it occurs in numbers during the winter. 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 1G3 

248. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). Sanderling; Surf Snipe. Ad. 
in summer. — Feathers of the upper parts with generally black centers, bor- 
dered and sometimes barred with pale rufous and tipped with ashy white ; 
wings fuscous, the basal half of the outer web of the inner primaries white / 
wing-coverts grayish fuscous, the greater one broadly tipped with white ; tail 
brownish gray, narrowly margined with white; throat and upper breast 
washed with pale rufous and spotted with blackish ; rest of the under parts 
pure white. Im. in fall. — Similar, but upper parts without rufous, glossy 
black, the feathers sometimes bordered with white, but generally with two 
white spots at their tips separated by the black of the central part of the 
feather; nape grayish white, lightly streaked with blackish; under parts 
pure white, with occasionally a few spots on the breast. Winter plumage. — 
Upper parts pale brownish gray, wrings as in the preceding ; under parts pure 
white. L., 800 ; W., 5*00 ; Tar., 1-00 ; B., 1*00. 

Remarks. — The Sanderling is the only one of our Snipes or Sandpipers 
having three toes, and it may always be known by this character in combi- 
nation with its booted or transversely scaled tarsi. 

Range. — u Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in arctic and subarctic regions ; 
migrating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia" (A. O. XL). 

Washington, casual T. V., two records. Long Island, common T. V., Mch. 
15 through May ; Aug. 1 through Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., 
to June 5; Sept. 9 to Oct. 5. Cambridge, casual, one instance, Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, light olive-brown, finely spotted or speckled with 
darker, the markings larger and more blended on the larger end, 1-41 x *91 
(Kidgw.). 

This is a true beach bird, and is usually found on shores washed 
by the sea. It frequently associates with the Semipalmated Sandpiper 
or Oxeye, which it resembles in habits, but its larger size and lighter 
colors distinguish it from that species. 

249. Liimosa fedoa (Linn,). Marbled Godwit; Browx Marlin. 
Ad. — Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked with buffy, the back 
barred or the feathers spotted on the sides and sometimes tipped with buffy 
or ochraceous-buff ; inner web of the outer primaries and both webs of the 
inner ones ochraceous-buff or pale buffy, speckled with black ; tail ochraceous- 
buff barred with black ; throat white, rest of the under parts pale buffy, spotted 
or barred with black ; bill curved slightly upward, yellowish at the base, 
black at the end. Im. — Similar, but the under parts with few or no bars except 
on the flanks and under tail-coverts. L., 18*00 : W., 8*75 ; Tar., 2*75 ; B., 4-00. 

Range. — North America, breeding- chiefly in the interior, from western 
Minnesota, and rarely Iowa and Nebraska, north w r ard, and migrating south- 
ward to Central America and Cuba; rare on the Atlantic coast. 

Long Island, rare T. V., Ausr. and Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, clay-color or brownish ashy, blotched, spotted, and 
scrawled with grayish brown, 2*15 x 1*60. 

Colonel Goss writes that this species " inhabits the salt- and fresh- 
water shores, marshes, and moist ground upon the prairies. It feeds 



164 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

upon Crustacea, insects, worms, larvae, etc., moving about in a horizontal 
position, picking and probing as it goes. Its flight is easy and well 
sustained, though not very rapid ; in alighting, raises the wings over 
the back as it touches the ground. These birds as a rule are shy, and 
keep well out of reach. . . ." 

251. Limosa hsemastica {Linn.). Hudsonian Godwit; Ring- 
tailed Marlin. Ad. — Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked and 
the back spotted or barred with ochraceous-buff ; primaries black or fuscous ; 
upper tail-coverts white, the lateral ones tipped or barred with black ; tail 
black, with a broad base and a narrow tip of white ; throat buffy, streaked with 
blackish ; under parts chestnut-rufous, barred with black and sometimes 
tipped with whitish ; axillars black. L., 1500 ; W., 8*25 ; Tar., 2-25 ; B., 3-20. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds in the arctic regions and mi- 
grates southward, chiefly through the interior, as far as Patagonia. 

Long Island, rare T. V., Aug. and Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, deep olive, hair-brown, or broccoli-brown (sometimes 
paler), usually more or less spotted with darker brown, but sometimes nearly 
uniform, 2'20 x 1*42 (Ridgw.). 

This bird resembles the preceding in habits, and like it is rare on 
the Atlantic coast. 

The Black-tailed Godwit {252. Limosa limosa) inhabits the northern 
parts of the Old- World and is of accidental occurrence in Greenland. 

254. Totanus melanoleucus {Gmel.). Greater Yellow-legs. 
Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked and the 
back spotted or barred with white or ashy ; upper tail-coverts white, more or 
less barred with black ; tail white or ashy, barred with black ; breast heavily 
spotted with black ; sides barred with black ; middle of the belly white. 
Winter plumage.— Similar, but upper parts brownish gray, edged with whit- 
ish ; sides of the scapulars, tertials, and wing-coverts with blackish and 
whitish spots; breast only lightly streaked with blackish, and sides slightly 
barred. L., 14-00 ; W., 7'70 ; Tar., 2-40 ; B., 2-20. 

Range.— 'North America; breeds from Minnesota and rarely northern Illi- 
nois and Anticosti northward ; winters from the Gulf States to Patagonia. 

Washington, rather common T. V., Apl. and May ; July 25 to Nov. Long 
Island, common T. V., Apl. 10 through May; July 15 through Oct. Sing 
Sing, common T. V., to June 5 ;— to Oct. 28. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. 
15 to May 25; Sept, and Oct. 

Eggs, three to four, brownish buffy, distinctly but very irregularly spotted 
with rich vandyke- or madder-brown, 1'43 x 1*20 (Ridgw.). 

It needs only the musical notes of the Yellow-leg to recall memo- 
ries of many days passed along the shore and in the marshes. Half 
reclining in my blind, I see in fancy the staring decoys, pointing like 
weathercocks with the wind, and hear the dull booming of surf be- 
hind the brown sand dunes. 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 165 

Few birds are flying; lulled by the lap, lap of the water, I have 
almost fallen asleep, when from far up in the gray sky comes a soft, 
flutelike whistle, when, when- when- when- when, wheu, wheu-wheu. I re- 
spond quickly, and, lying on my back, look eagerly upward. Not a 
bird can be seen, but the questioning call grows stronger and is re- 
peated more frequently. Finally I distinguish five or six black points 
sailing in narrow circles so high that I can scarcely believe they are the 
birds I hear. But no bar or shoal breaks the sound waves. The birds 
grown larger and on widening circles sweep earthward. Their soft 
whistle has a plaintive tone ; their long bills turn inquiringly from 
side to side. The stolid decoys give no response, they repel rather 
than encourage, but the whistling continues, and with murmured 
notes of interrogation the deluded birds wheel over them, to find too 
late that they have blundered. 

255. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). Yellow-legs; Summer Yellow- 
legs. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts generally brownish gray, the head and 
neck streaked with black and white, the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts 
with sometimes black centers, spotted or tipped with whitish or brownish 
gray ; upper tail-coverts white, more or less barred with black, tail varying 
from white to brownish gray, with numerous black or blackish cross-bars ; 
breast heavily spotted or streaked and sides barred with black ; belly white, 
legs yellow. Winter plumage. — Similar, but upper parts brownish gray, the 
sides of the feathers with whitish spots ; tail-bars grayish ; breast lightly 
streaked with ashy. L., 10*75; W., 6-40 ; Tar., 2-05; B., 1*40. 

Remarks. — This bird closely resembles the Greater Yellow-legs in color, 
but may always be distinguished by its smaller size. 

Range. — North America, breeding chiefly in the interior from Minnesota, 
northern Illinois, Ontario County, N. Y., northward to the arctic regions; 
winters from the Gulf States to Patagonia. 

Washington, rather common T. V., Apl. to May 15; Aug. to Nov. Long 
Island, T. V., very rare in spring, abundant in fall ; July 15 to Oct. 1. Sing 
Sing, tolerably common T. V. in fall ; Aug. 25 to Oct. 5. Cambridge, rare in 
May ; sometimes common in Aug. and early Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, buffy (variable as to shade), distinctly (sometimes 
broadly) spotted or blotched with dark madder- or vandyke-brown and pur- 
plish gray, 1-69 x 1*15 (Bidgw.). 

This species closely resembles the preceding in notes, habits, and 
choice of haunts. It decoys, however, more easily, and, generally 
speaking, is more common. 

The Green-shank {253. Totanus nebularius) is an Old- World species, of 
which three specimens were taken by Audubon, May 28, 1832, near Cape 
Sable, Florida. It resembles our Greater Yellow-legs, but differs chiefly in 
having the lower back and rump white. 

The Green Sandpiper (257. Totanus ochropus) is an Old- World species 
which has been recorded once from Nova Scotia. It resembles our Solitary 



106 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

Sandpiper, but is larger (W., 5*75), and has the upper tail-coverts pure 
white. 

256. Totanus solitarius ( Wife). Solitary Sandpiper. Ad. in 
summer. — Upper parts olive-fuscous, with a slight greenish tinge, the head 
and neck streaked and the back spotted with white ; upper tail-coverts fus- 
cous, with line whitish spots on their sides, the lateral ones sometimes barred ; 
central pair of tail-feathers fuscous, the others white, barred with black ; 




Fig. 64.— Inner view of wing of Solitary Sandpiper, showing barred axillars. 

breast streaked, and sides sometimes barred with black ; belly white ; axillars 
barred with black and white ; legs greenish fuscous. Winter plumage.- — Simi- 
lar, but upper parts grayish brown ; head and neck generally unstreaked, and 
the back only lightly spotted with buffy white ; breast streaked with brown- 
ish gray. L., 8*40; W., 5'25; Tar., 1-20; B., 1-15. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds locally and rarely from northern 
Illinois, western Pennsylvania, and Maine northward ; winters in South 
America. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. to May 25 ; July 25 to Nov. Long 
Island, common T. V., May: July 15 to Oct. 1. Sing Sing, common T. V., 
May 3 to 30 ; Aug. 27 to Oct 2. Cambridge, common T. V., May 15 to 25 ; 
July 20 to Oct. 

Eggs, known from only one example taken by Jenness Kichardson, near 
Lake Bombazine, Vermont, May 28, 1878, and described by Dr. Brewer as 
light drab, with small, rounded, brown markings, some quite dark, nowhere 
confluent, and at the larger end a few faint purplish shell-marks, 1*39 x *95. 

This is a wood Sandpiper. It is rarely found on the beaches or salt 
marshes near the sea, but frequents fresh-water ponds, or lakes and 
woodland streams, both in the lowlands and mountains. It is gener- 
erally observed during the migrations, and although it occasionally 
breeds in the Middle States its skill in concealing its nest has defied 
the search of oologists. It is a quieter, more dignified bird than the 
Spotted Sandpiper, and as a rule only utters its " low, whistling notes " 
when flushed. 

258. Symphemia semipalmata (Gmel.). Willet. Ad. in sum- 
mer. — Upper parts brownish gray, the head and neck streaked, and the back 
barred with black, and sometimes buffy, the centers of the feathers being oc- 
casionally wholly black ; basal half of the primaries and greater part of sec- 
ondaries white ; upper tail-coverts white with a few blackish bars ; central 
tail-feathers ashy, indistinctly barred with blackish ; outer ones whitish, lightly 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 167 

mottled with grayish ; foreneck heavily streaked; breast and sides heavily 
barred with dark brownish gray and more or less washed with huffy ; belly 
generally white, with sometimes a few bars. Winter plumage, — Upper parts 
brownish gray, unmarked ; tail without bars ; rump and wings as in the adult ; 
breast washed with grayish ; belly white ; axillars black. L., 15*00 ; W.. 8-00 * 
Tar., 2-30; B., 2-15. 

Range.— Eastern North America, breeding from Florida to southern New 
Jersey, and locally and rarely to Maine. 

Washington, rare T. V., Aug. Long Island, T. V., rare in May; uncom- 
mon in Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Fugs, three to four, clay-color or buffy, thickly spotted with chocolate, 
chiefly at the larger end, 2*10 x 1-55. 

Willets frequent both fresh- and salt-water marshes, shores, and 
beaches. If you visit their haunts during the nesting season, on flut- 
tering wings they will hover above your head or fly low over the 
marsh to draw you away from their home, uttering, with scarce a mo- 
ment's cessation, their loudly whistled call of pilly-will-wiUet. pilly- 
will-ivilht. All day long, and even at night, I have heard them repeat 
these notes until, wearied by their persistence, one is thankful to leave 
them in undisturbed possession of the ground. 

258a. S. S. inornata Brewst. Western Willet.— Slightly larger 
than the preceding, and, in summer plumage, the upper parts are paler and 
less heavily marked with black ; the breast is less heavily streaked and more 
suffused with buffy, and the middle tail-feathers are without black bars. In 
winter plumage the two forms can be distinguished only by the slight and 
inconstant character of size. W., 8*50 ; Tar., 2-50 ; B., 2*40. 

Range.— Western United States, breeding from Texas to Manitoba ; win- 
ters on the Gulf coast from Florida to Texas. 

The Kuff (260. PaDoncella pugnax) is an Old-World species which occa- 
sionally wanders to eastern North America. It has been taken in Maine, 
Massachusetts, Ontario, Ohio, Long Island, and New Jersey. The adult male 
may be known by its enlarged ruff, which varies in color from black, chest- 
nut, and rufous to buffy and whitish. The female is without a ruff, and is 
otherwise very different from the male. The upper parts are grayish brown, 
the back, scapulars, and tertials are broadly barred with black, the outer 
tail-feathers are ashy, the inner ones are barred with buffy and black, the 
breast is ashy, with concealed black bars, the belly is white. In winter the 
upper parts are light grayish brown with few or no bars. & L., 12*50; W., 
7'50; Tar., 1-90; B., 1-50. 9 L., 10-00 ; W., 6-00; Tar., 1-40; B., 1-15. 

261. Bartramia, longicauda (Bechst.). Bartramian Sandpiper ; 
Upland Plover ; Field Plover. Ad. — Head and neck streaked with black 
and ochraceous-buff; back and wing-coverts ochraceous-buff', barred with 
black: tertials olive, barred with black and margined with ochraceous-buff; 
primaries fuscous, the outer one barred with white ; inner tail-feathers brown- 
ish gray, outer ones varying from ochraceous-buff to white, all more or less 



163 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

barred with black ; breast and sides washed with buffy and streaked or barred 
with black; belly white or whitish. Im. — Similar, but the ochraceous-buff 
is deeper. L., 11-50 ; W., 6'50 ; Tar., 1-90 ; B., 1-15. 

Bemarlcs. — The white bars on the outer primary will always serve to iden- 
tify this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds locally from Kansas and Vir- 
ginia to Alaska and Nova Scotia ; winters over most of South America. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. ; Aug. to Sept. Long Island, uncommon 
S. K., Apl. to Sept. Cambridge, not common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 5 ; July 
30 to Sept. 15. 

Eggs, four to live, creamy buff or white, spotted with reddish brown or 
chocolate, chieliy at the larger end, 1*80 x 1*30. 

The Upland "Plover" is at home on grassy plains and pastures. 
It is usually a shy bird, and can rarely be successfully approached on 
foot. It shows no fear, however, of a man who is riding or driving, 
and when on horseback I have passed within a few yards of birds 
which regarded me with some interest but no alarm. They so closely 
resemble dried grass in color that it is sometimes exceedingly diffi- 
cult to distinguish them from their surroundings. One may ride over 
a prairie upon which, at first glance, not a Plover is visible, and find, 
after careful scrutiny, that dozens of birds are scattered about him 
feeding. 

In alighting they stretch their wings to the utmost, high over their 
backs, as if to get the wrinkles out before gently folding them. When 
flushed they utter a soft, bubbling whistle. During their migra- 
tions one may clearly hear these sweet notes from birds traveling be- 
yond the limits of human vision. Mr. Langille describes their alarm 
note as a spirited and rapidly uttered quip-ip-ip-ip, quip-ip-ip-ip, and 
their song, given from the ground, a fence, or even a tree, as chr-r-r-r-r- 
ee-e-e-e-e-e-oo-o-o-o-o-oo. He remarks : " This prolonged, mournful, mel- 
low whistle, more like the whistling of wind than a bird's voice, may 
be heard even in the night, and is one of the most weird and never-to- 
be-forgotten sounds in Nature." 

262. Tryngites subruficollis ( Vieill.). Buff-breasted Sand- 
piper. Ad.— Upper parts pale grayish brown, the feathers with olive cen- 
ters ; primaries fuscous, the inner half of their inner webs speckled with black; 
longer inner wing-coverts conspicuously marked and tipped with black, then 
white; central tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming buffy, irregularly 
marked and tipped with black and buffy; under parts pale ochraceous-buff, 
tipped with whitish, and with generally concealed black markings. Im. — 
Similar, but the upper parts and breast paler. L., 8-50 ; W., 5*25 ; B., -80. 

Remarks. — In any plumage this bird may be known by the peculiar speck- 
ling on the inner webs of all the primaries, and also the markings of the under 
wing-coverts. 

Range.—" North America, especially in the interior; breeds in the Yukon 



SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC, 109 

district and interior of British America; northward to the arctic coast; South 
America iri winter; of frequent occurrence in Europe 91 (A* 0. U.). 
Long Island, ran- T. v., Aug. and Sept 

>ur, bully grayish white, rarying to pale olive-buff, r^ol'Jly 
si>ott«rl longitudinally and somewhat spirally) with dark Vandyke- or mad- 
towe and purplish gray, I'M x 1*04 (Bidgw.). 

Thia is a ran- species on the Atlantic coast. I>r. Hatch writes of 
it as observed by him in Minnesota: "They are an extremely active 

species when on the wine;, and essentially plovorino in all reSjM 

seeking sandy, barren prairies, where they Jive upon grasshoppers, 
crickets, and insects generally, and ants and their eggs specially. I 
have found them repasting upon minute mollusks on the sandy shores 

of small and shallow ponds, where they were apparently little more 
Suspicious than the Solitary Sandpipers are notably. The flight is in 

rather compact form, dipping and riMng alternately, and with a dis- 
position to return again to the neighborhood of their former feeding 
places." 

263. Ac titis macularia ( Linn. . Spotted Sajtdpipeb. Ad.insum- 
mer. Upper parte brownish gray with a faint greenish Luster, the head and 

neck more or let ;. and the back barred or spotted with black ; inner 

tail-feathers like tie: back, outer ones with blackish bar.>: under parts white, 
everywhen with black. Im. — Upper parts brownish gray, with a 

greenish tinge, the back faintly and wing conspicuously barred with 

black and bully ; under parte pure white, unspotted, but slightly irashed with 
grayish on the breast Winter plumage. Similar, but back Lrowner and 
without bant. I... :■•>: W., 1-90; Tar., -90; B., *95. 

"Range. North America north to Hudson Hay; breeds throughout its 
range; winters southward to Brazil. 

Washington, common T. v., not common S. B., Apl 5 to Sept. 80. Long 
bland, abundant s. k.. Apl. 25 to Oct Sing Sing, common 8. EL, Apl. 29 to 
Oct 2Z. Cambridge, common 8. k.. Apl. 26 to Sept 

Eggs, four, creamy buff or white, thickly spotted and speckled with choco- 
late, chiefly at the larger end. 1*25 x '95. 

Pew Shof e Birds an: more generally known than this widely dis- 
tributed little Sandpiper. It frequents the margins of bodies of both 
fresh and sail water, but is more common inland on the shores of our 
rivers pond-, and lakes. Dnring the summer it i- practically our only 
fresh-water Sandpiper, and is familiar to most <>f us under it- common 
names. It run- rapidly along the beach, then pausing bobs, bows, and 
"teters" in a most energetic manner. When flu-bed it takes wing 
with a sharp weet-weet weet-weet, and after a few wing-strokes scales 
over the water to the beach beyond. It apparently dislikes to go be- 
yond certain limits, and after several flights makes a wide circle and 
returns to the starting point. 



1Y0 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 

264. Numenius longirostris WiU. Long - billed Curlew ; 

Sickle-bill. Ad. — Head and neck streaked, and back barred with buffy 
and black; wing-coverts, inner webs of primaries, secondaries, and tail vary- 
ing from burly to pale rufous, barred or mottled with blackish ; under parts 
ochraceous-buff, breast more or less streaked and sides sometimes barred 
witli black ; axillars rufous, generally unbarred. L., 24-00 ; W., 10*50 ; Tar., 
3-10; B., 6-00. 

Range. — United States, breeding in the interior as far north as Manitoba 
and on the Atlantic coast to North Carolina; casual northward to New Eng- 
land ; winters from Florida and Texas southward to the West Indies. 

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, casual from July to 
Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Eggs, three to four, olive clay-color or brownish ashy, spotted or blotched 
with chocolate, 2-58 x 1-85. 

* These birds, as a rule, inhabit the muddy shores and moist grassy 
flats and plains, but often frequent and breed upon the uplands re- 
mote from water. Their food consists of worms, crickets, beetles, 
grasshoppers, small snails, crabs, and crawfish ; the latter they reach 
for with their long bills and pull them out of their holes ; and I have 
seen them probe for and unearth the larvae of the beetles and other 
forms of life that in the spring come to or near the surface prepara- 
tory to transformation. While feeding they move about with an easy 
carriage. 

" Their flight is not rapid but well sustained, with regular strokes 
of the wings, and when going a distance usually high and in a trian- 
gular form, uttering now and then their loud, prolonged whistling 
note, so often heard during the breeding season ; before alighting, sud- 
denly drop nearly to the ground, then gather, and with a rising sweep 
gracefully alight " (Goss). 

265. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Hudso^ian Curlew; Jack 
Curlew. Ad.— Upper parts grayish brown, the sides of the feathers with 
whitish spots; rump and tail barred with butty and blackish; inner web of 
outer primaries and both webs of inner ones barred with huffy or whitish and 
black ; under parts burly or whitish, the neck and breast streaked and the 
sides and under wing-coverts barred with black. L., 17*00; W., 0-50; Tar., 
2-20; B., 3-75. 

Range.— Breeds in the arctic regions and winters from the Gulf States to 
Patagonia. 

Long Island, T. V., rare from May 20 to 30 ; common from July to Oct. 1. 

Eggs, three to four, pale olive, spotted with dull brown, 2*27 x 1-57 
(Bidgw.). 

This is a much commoner bird on our coasts than the preceding, 
which it resembles in habits but not in notes. 

266. Numenius borealis ( Forst.). Eskimo Curlew; Fute ; 
Dough-bibd. Ad. — Upper parts black, margined and tipped with buffy or 



PLOVERS. 171 

whitish ; upper tail-coverts barred with buffy and black ; tail brownish gray, 
edged with bully and barred with black; primaries fuscous without bars; 
under parts buffy or whitish, the breast streaked, the sides and under wing- 
coverts barred with black L., 13-50 ; W., 8'40 ; Tar., P75 ; B., 2-40. 

Range. — Breeds in the arctic regions and migrates southward, chiefly 
through the interior, to Patagonia. 

Long Island, rare T. V., Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, pale olive-greenish, olive, or olive-brownish, dis- 
tinctly spotted, chiefly on the larger end, with deep or dark brown, 2-04 x 1-43 
(Ridgw,,. 

This Curlew is far more common in the interior than on the At- 
lantic coast. It is more of a field bird than either of the two pre- 
ceding species, and frequents the dry uplands to feed on seeds and 
insects. Mr. G. H. Mackay, in his biography of this species,* writes : 
" Most of their habits closely resemble those of the Golden Plover. 
In migration they fly in much the same manner, with extended and 
broadside and triangular lines and clusters similar to those of Ducks 
and Geese at such times. They usually fly low after landing, sweeping 
slowly over the ground, apparently looking it over, generally standing 
motionless for quite a while after alighting, which, owing to their 
general color approximating so closely to the withered grass, renders 
it difficult at times to perceive them. . . . The only note I ever heard 
them make is a kind of squeak, very much like one of the cries of 
Wilson's Tern (Sterna hirundo), only finer in tone." 

The Whulbrel (267. Xumenius phozopus), an Old- World species, is of 
accidental occurrence in Greenland. 

Family Charadritd^e. Plovers. 

The one hundred species contained in this family are, as a whole, of 
less boreal distribution than the Snipes, and during the nesting season 
are distributed throughout the world. Only eight species are found 
in North America. Their habits in a general way resemble those of 
the true Snipes, but their much shorter, stouter bills are not fitted for 
probing, and they obtain their food from the surface. Probably for 
this reason several species are as frequently found on the uplands as 
near the shores. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Toes three. 

A. Back spotted or streaked with black and white, rufous, or golden yellow. 

272. Am. Golden Plover. 

B. Back ashy. gray, brown, or brownish gray. 

a. Rump rufous 273. Killdeer. 

b. Rump not rufous. 

* The Auk, vol. ix, 1892. pp. 16-21. 



172 PLOVERS. 

b 1 . Bill over -50. 

b 2 . A black or brownish band on the breast . 280. Wilson's Plover. 
b 3 . No band on the breast ; back grayish brown, margined with rufous. 

281. Mountain Plover. 
cK Bill under -50. 
c 2 . A black line from the eye to the bill. 

274. Semipalmated Plover. 
c 8 . No line from the eye to the bill. 

277. Piping Plover. 277a. Belted Piping Plover. 
II. Toes four 270. Black- bellied Plover. 

The Lapwing {269. Vanellus vanellus) is an Old-World species of acci- 
dental occurrence in America. The only record for eastern North America 
south of Greenland is based on a specimen shot at Merrick, L. I., in Decem- 
ber, 1883 (Dutcher, Auk, iii, 1886, p. 438). 

270. Charadrius squatarola {Linn.). Black-bellied Plover; 

Beetle-head. (See Fig. 25, c, 26, d.) Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black, 
bordered with white ; tail white, barred with black ; basal half of the inner 
web of the primaries white ; sides of the head and neck and entire under parts, 
except the white lower belly and under tail-coverts, black. Im. — Upper parts 
black, the head and neck streaked, the back spotted with buffy yellow ; tail 
and wings as in the adult ; under, parts white, the breast and sides streaked 
with brownish gray. Winter plumage. — Similar to the preceding, but upper 
parts brownish gray, lightly margined with whitish. L., 11*00; W., 7'50 ; 
Tar., 1-90 ; B., 1-10. 

Remarks. — The rounded scales on the front of the tarsus and the presence 
of a fourth, although very small, toe distinguish this bird. 

Range. — Nearly cosmopolitan; breeds in the arctic regions, and in Amer- 
ica winters from Florida to Brazil. 

Long Island, common T. V., May 5 to June 5 ; Aug. 1 to Oct. 15. Sing 
Sing, A". V. 

Eggs, three to four, light buffy olive, spotted and speckled with dark 
brown and brownish black or deep black, 2-04 x 1*43 (Ridgw.). 

The following notes are abridged from Mr. Mackay's extended ac- 
count of the habits of this species (Auk, ix, 1892, pp. 143-152). They 
are in a great degree tide birds, and seek a large part of their food on 
sand-flats left by the receding water. As the tide rises they resort to 
adjoining marshes or uplands, beaches, or the exposed crests of sand- 
bars. In migrating they fly in lines and also in ranks, like Ducks and 
Geese. When on the ground they usually run very fast for four or five 
yards, then stop, elevate the head, and look around. They strike at 
the object they are going to pick up and eat with a very quick motion. 
They have two calls : one of several notes, with the accent on the sec- 
ond one, is mellow, clear, and far reaching; the other is low, and is 
uttered when they are at ease and contented. 



PLOVERS. 173 

272. Charadrius dominicus Mull. American Golden Plover; 
Greenback. Ad. in summer. — Upper parts black, spotted and margined 
with golden yellow ; tail brownish gray, indistinctly barred with whitish ; 
6ides of the breast white ; rest of the under parts, including sides of the head, 
black ; under wing-coverts ashy. Winter plumage. — Upper parts and tail 
fuscous, spotted or barred with whitish or yellow; under parts whitish, more 
or less streaked or barred with brownish gray. L., 10-50 ; W., 7 '00 ; Tar., 
1-60 ; B., -90. 

Remarks. — Immature birds are sometimes confused with those of the Black- 
bellied Plover, but, aside from differences of size and color, the absence of the 
fourth toe in the present species will always distinguish it. 

Range. — Breeds in the arctic regions ; winters from Florida to Patagonia. 

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, T. V., very rare in 
May ; common from Aug. 15 to Nov. 10. 

Eggs, three to four, ochraceous- buff or buffy white, heavily marked with 
chocolate, 1'85 x 1*28. 

Golden Plovers frequent marshes, sandy hills, old fields, sand-flats 
exposed by the falling tide, plowed fields, and burned tracts which are 
free of trees and bushes. When on the ground they run rapidly and 
gracefully, and after alighting soon scatter. All their movements are 
quick, and after running a few yards they suddenly stop, hold their 
head erect, and look about them. In feeding they seem to strike at 
an object with a motion that reminds one of a Loon or Grebe begin- 
ning to dive. 

When a flock is approaching decoys, every bird seems to be whis- 
tling, uttering a note like coodle, coodle, coodle. Unlike the Black- 
bellied Plover, the young birds are wary and more difficult to decoy 
than the old ones. When driven from a favorite resting or feeding 
ground they generally return in a short time. (Abridged from Mr. 
George H. Mackay's account of the habits of this species in The Auk, 
viii, 1891, pp. 17-24.) 

The European Golden Plover {271. Charadrius apricarius) occurs in 
eastern Greenland. It resembles our species, but has the under wing-coverts 
white instead of gray. 

273. iEgialitis vocifera (Linn.). Killdeer. Ad. — Forehead, a 
spot behind the eye, throat, and a ring around the neck, a band on the breast, 
lower breast, and belly white; front of the crown, lores, a ring around the 
neck, and a band on the breast black ; crown and back grayish brown tipped 
with rufous ; rump and upper tail-coverts rufous ; inner tail-feathers grayish 
brown, outer ones becoming rufous and white, all tipped with black and white. 
L., 10-50; W., 6-50; Tar., 1*35; B., -75. 

Range. — North America north to Newfoundland and Manitoba, breeding 
throughout its range ; winters from the lower Mississippi Valley and Vir- 
ginia to northern South America. 



174 



PLOVERS. 



Washington, P. E., most abundant in migrations. Long Island, not com 
mon T. V., recorded in every month but Jan. Sing Sing, rare T. V. in fall 
Sept. 28 to Oct. 25. Cambridge, A. V., two instances, Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, butfy white, spotted and scrawled with chocolate 
chiefly at the larger end, 1*50 x 1*10. 

In localities where this bird is common it is difficult to get beyond 
the reach of its notes. Lakesides, meadows, pastures, and cultivated 
fields all attract it, but it is more numerous in the vicinity of water. 
It is a noisy, restless bird, running rapidly when on the ground, and 
when on the wing flying swiftly and sometimes pursuing a most 
irregular course. As a rule it is found in flocks, which scatter when 
feeding but unite when taking wing. At the first sign of danger it 
utters its half-plaintive, half-petulant kill dee, Icill-dee, and when thor- 
oughly alarmed its outcry increases until, beside itself with fear, it 
reaches the limit of its vocal powers. Although by no means shy, the 
Killdeer never seems to gain confidence in man, and at his approach 
always gives voice to its fear. Even at night I have heard it cry out 
at some real or fancied danger. 



274. iEgialitis semipalmata#6ma^. Semipalmated Plover ; Ring- 
neck. (See Fig. 25, d, 26, e.) Ad. in summer. — Feathers at the base of the 

upper mandible, froivt of the 
crown, sides of the head be- 
low the eye, and a band 
on the breast, which gener- 
ally encircles the neck all 
around, black ; rest of under 
parts and a ring around the 
neck white ; back of head 
and back brownish gray ; 
inner tail-feathers brownish 
gray, outer ones becoming 
gradually white ; toes webbed 
at the base. Winter plum- 
age. — Similar, but the black 
replaced by brownish gray. 
L., 6-75 ; W., 4-80 ; Tar.^ -90 ; 
Fig. 65.— Semipalmated Plover. (Natural size.) j$ .59^ 

Range. — Breeds from Lab- 
rador to the shores of the Arctic Sea; winters from the Gulf States to Brazil. 

Washington, casual, three specimens, May; Aug. Long Island, common 
T. V., May ; Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall ; Aug. 23 to 
Sept. 20. Cambridge, rare in spring; sometimes common in Aug. and 
Sept. 

Eggs, three to four, buffy white or creamy buff, spotted with chocolate, 
V30 x -90. 




PLOVERS. 175 

This species frequents sandy beaches, mud-flats, and marshes. It 
is found generally in small flocks of five or ten individuals, which, 
unlike the Sand Oxeyes, do not feed in a compact body, but run rap- 
idly about, independently of one another. When they take wing, 
however, they close ranks at once and move as though governed by 
one desire. 

Their simple, sweet, plaintive call is one of the most characteristic 
notes heard on our shores. At noonday, when the heat waves are 
dancing over the marshes and even the twittering Oxeyes are silent, 
one may hear the cool, pure notes of this little Plover. They may be 

written - yfe — ^J- — . A third, shorter note is sometimes added. 

Even a whistled imitation of them takes me to the beaches. 

The Einq Plover {275. JEgialitis hiaticula), an Old- World species, is 
found in Greenland. It is similar to the preceding but slightly larger, the 
black band on the breast is wider, and there is no web between the inner and 
middle toes. 

277. JBgialitis meloda (Ord). Piping Plover. Ad. in summer. 
— Upper parts pale whitish ashy ; forehead, under parts, and a ring around 
the neck white ; front of the crown and a band on either side of the breast 
black ; inner tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming white. Winter plum- 
age. — Similar, but the black replaced by brownish gray. L., TOO; W., 4*75; 
Tar., =85 ; B., -50. 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from Virginia to Newfound- 
land ; winters from Florida southward. 

Long Island, not uncommon S. R., Mch. through Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Eggs, three to four, creamy white, finely spotted or speckled with choco- 
late, 1-24 x -95. 

The Piping Plover resembles the Ring-neck in habits but not in 
notes. Mr. J. H. Langille writes that it " can not be called a ' whistler/ 
nor even a ' piper,' in an ordinary sense. Its tone has a particularly 
striking and musical quality. Queep, queep, queep-o, or peep, peep, 
peep-lo, each syllable being uttered with a separate, distinct, and some- 
what long-drawn enunciation, may imitate its peculiar melody, the 
tone of which is round, full, and sweet, reminding one of a high key 
on an Italian hand organ or the hautboy in a church organ. It is 
always pleasing to the lover of Nature's melodies, and in the still air 
of the evening it is very impressive." 

277a. JE. m. circumcincta Ridgw. Belted Piping Plover. — 

Closely resembles the preceding, from which it differs in having the bands 
yi either side of the breast joined, forming a continuous breastband. 

Range. — Breeds from "northern Illinois and Nebraska northward to Lake 



176 



PLOVERS. 



Winnepeg," and eastward to the Magdalen and Sable Islands ; winters from 
the Gulf southward. Casual on the Atlantic coast during the migrations. 
Long Island, A. V. in summer. 

280. JEgialitis wilsonia (Ord). Wilson's Plover. Ad. $ .— 

Lores, front of crown, and a band on the breast black ; rest of under parts, 

forehead, and an indistinct ring on 

the nape white ; sides of the head 

and nape sometimes with rufous 

markings; cheeks, 

crown, and back 

brownish gray ; 

inner tail-feathers 

fuscous, outer ones becoming white. 

Ad. 9 . — Similar, but black replaced 

by brownish gray. Im.— Similar to 

9 , but upper parts margined with 

grayish. L., T50 ; W., 4-50 ; Tar., 

1-10; B., -80. 

Range. — America, breeding from 
Virginia to Central America ; win- 
ters southward to Brazil ; casual 
northward to Nova Scotia. 

Long Island, A. V., in sum- 
mer. 

Eggs, three, creamy white, even- 
ly and rather finely spotted and speckled with chocolate, 1.42 x 1-03. 

This is a more strictly maritime species than the other representa- 
tives of this genus. Sandy beaches are its favorite resorts, but it is 
also found on mud-flats exposed by the falling tide. Dr. Coues de- 
scribes its note as half a whistle, half a chirp, quite different from that 
of the preceding species. It is a gentle, unsuspicious bird, and when 
its nest is approached it runs about the intruder and begs as plainly 
as a bird can that he will not disturb its treasures. 

The Mountain Plover {281. jEgialitis montana), a western species, is of 
accidental occurrence in Florida. The upper parts are grayish brown margined 
with rufous, the under parts are white tinged with buffy on the breast; in 
adults the front of the crown and lores are black. L., about 8 - 75 ; W., 5-75 ; 
Tar., 1-50 ; B., -85. 




Fig. 



-Wilson's Plover. (Natural size.) 



Family Aphrizidje. Surf Birds and Turnstones. 

A small family of four species, three of which are found in North 
America, though but one of these visits our Eastern States. They are 
strictly maritime birds, frequenting only the seacoasts, where they 
prefer the outer beaches. 



TURNSTONES, OYSTER-CATCHERS. 177 

283. Arenaria interpres {Linn.). Turnstone; Brant Bird; 
Calico-back. Ad. in, summer. — Upper parts, including wings, strikingly 
variegated with rufous, black, and white ; tail white at the base, a black band 
near its end, and tipped with white ; throat and breast black and white ; beliy 
white. Winter plumage. — Upper parts blackish, bordered with brownish 
gray or ashy ; lower back white ; longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones 
black; tail as in the adult; throat white, breast black margined with white, 
belly white. L., 9-50 ; W., 6-00 ; Tar., -95 ; B., 1-00. 

flange. — Nearly cosmopolitan ; breeds in the arctic regions, and in Amer- 
ica migrates southward to Patagonia. 

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, common T. V. May ; 
Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Eggs, three to four, clay-color, blotched and scrawled with grayish brown, 
1-60 x 1-15. 

This strictly maritime species is found singly or in small flocks, 
generally on the outer beaches, where it obtains its food by turning 
over shells and pebbles in search of insects, crustaceans, etc. 

Family H^matopodhxe. Oyster catchers. 

The Oyster-catchers number ten species, represented in most of the 
warmer parts of the globe. But three species are found in North 
America, and only one of these occurs in the Eastern States. They are 
strictly maritime birds, and resort to the outer bars and beaches in 
search of clams, mussels, etc., exposed by the tide. Their strong bill 
is used as an oyster-knife to force open the shells of these bivalves. 

286. Haematopus palliatus Temm. American Oyster-catcher. 
Ad. — Head, neck, and upper breast glossy black, back and wing-coverts olive- 
brown, secondaries white, primaries fuscous, upper tail-coverts white, base of 
the tail white, end fuscous, lower breast and belly white. Im. — Similar, but 
head and neck blackish and upper parts more or less margined with buffy. 
L., 19-00 ; W., 10-50 ; Tar., 2-40 ; B., 3-40. 

Range. — Seacoasts of temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey 
and Lower California to Patagonia; occasional or accidental on the Atlantic 
coast north to Massachusetts and Grand Menan. 

Long Island, A. V. 

Eggs, three to four, buffy w r hite or creamy buff, rather evenly spotted and 
blotched with chocolate, 2-20 x 1*55. 

A not uncommon species from southern New Jersey southward ; 
confined exclusively to the coast. It agrees in habits with other mem- 
bers of this small family. 

The European Oyster-catcher (285. Haematopus ostralegus) is of acci- 
dental occurrence in Greenland. 
13 



178 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 



ORDER GALLING. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 

Family Tetraonid^e. Grouse, Bob-whites, etc. 

Of the two hundred species contained in this family, one hundred 
belong in the subfamily Perdicince or Old- World Partridges and 
Quails, sixty in the subfamily Odontophorince or New- World Par- 
tridges and Bob-whites, and twenty-five in the subfamily Tetraonmce 
or Grouse, inhabiting the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. 
Generally speaking, these birds are non-migratory, though there are 
some striking exceptions among the Perdicince. After the nesting 
season they commonly gather in " coveys " or bevies, usually composed 
of the members of but one family. In some species these bevies unite 
or " pack," forming large flocks. As a rule, they are terrestrial, but 
may take to trees when flushed, while some species habitually call and 
feed in trees. They are game birds par excellence, and, trusting to 
the concealment afforded by their dull Colors, attempt to avoid detec- 
tion by hiding rather than by flying, or, in sportsman's phraseology, 
" lie well to a dog." Their flight is rapid and accompanied by a start- 
ling whirr, caused by the quick strokes of their small, concave, stiff- 
feathered wings. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Tarsi bare 289. Bob-white. 289a. Florida Bob-white. 

B. Upper third or half of tarsi feathered. 

300. Ruffed Grouse. 300a. Canada Ruffed Grouse. 

C. Tarsi entirely feathered, toes bare. 

a. With bunches of elongated, stiffened feathers springing: from either side 
of the neck 305. Prairie Hen. 306. Heath Hen. 

b. Feathers of neck normal. 

b 1 . Outer web of primaries spotted with white. 

308&. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
ft 2 . Primaries not spotted with white 298. Canada Grouse. 

D. Tarsi and toes entirely feathered 301. Ptarmigan and races. 

289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.). Bob-white ; Quail ; Partridge. 

Ad. S in winter. — Upper parts varying from reddish brown to chestnut; in- 
terscapulars with broken and sometimes complete black bars; inner vane 
of tertials widely margined with cream-buff'; rump grayish brown, finely 
mottled, and with a few streaks of blackish ; tail ashy gray, the inner feath- 
ers finely mottled with buffy ; front of the crown, a band from the bill to be- 
neath the eye, and a band on the upper breast black ; throat and a broad line 
from the bill over the eye white; sides rufous-chestnut, margined with black 
and white; lower breast and belly white barred with black. Ad. 9 in win- 
ter. — Similar, but the throat and line over the eye, forehead, and lores pale 
ockraccous-buff; little or no black on the upper breast. Summer examples 



GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 179 

of both sexes have the crown blacker, the buffy markings generally paler. 
L., 10-00; W., 4-50; T., 2-50; B. from N., -35. 

Range. — Eastern North America, from southern Maine and Minnesota 
southward to the Gulf of Mexico; resident wherever found. 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. K. Cambridge, com- 
mon P. R. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy fields. Eggs, ten to eighteen, white, 
1-20 x -95. 

Taking the Old- World species of the genera Cotarnix and Caccabis 
as the types respectively of Quails and Partridges, neither of these lat- 
ter names can properly be applied to our Colinus, which should there- 
fore be known under the distinctive title Bob-white. 

During the nesting season Bob-whites are distributed in pairs 
through clearings and cultivated fields. The members of a brood 
constitute a bevy or covey, though occasionally two families or broods 
are found in one bevy. In the fall they frequent grain fields, but as 
winter approaches draw in toward thickets and wooded bottom-lands, 
sometimes passing the coldest weather in boggy alder swamps. They 
roost on the ground, tail to tail, with heads pointing outward ; a bunch 
of closely huddled forms — a living bomb whose explosion is scarcely 
less startling than that of dynamite manufacture. 

Like most grass-inhabiting birds whose colors harmonize with their 
surroundings, Bob-whites rely on this protective resemblance to escape 
detection, and take wing only as a last resort. Sometimes they take 
refuge in trees, but usually they head for wooded cover, where they 
remain if the growth is dense, but if it is open they generally run the 
moment they touch the ground. 

About May 1 they begin to pair, and rival males may then be seen 
battling for mates like diminutive gamecocks. 

The name " Bob-white" originated in the spring call of the male. 
Mounting a fence or ascending to the lower branches of a tree, he 
whistles the two clear musical, ringing notes Bob-white ! Sometimes 
they are preceded by a lower one which can be heard only when one 
is near the singer. 

After the breeding season, when the birds are in bevies, their notes 
are changed to what sportsmen term " scatter calls." Not long after 
a bevy has been flushed and perhaps widely scattered, the members of 
the disunited family may be heard signaling to one another in sweet 
minor calls of two and three notes. When excited they also utter low, 
twittering notes. 

289a. C. v. floridanus (Cones). Florida Bob-white; Quail ; Par- 
tridge. — Similar to the preceding, but smaller, the plumage throughout darker, 
the black of the back more extensive, the rump and upper tail-coverts grayer, 



180 GROUSE, BOB- WHITES, ETC. 

the black throat-band wider and sometimes reaching down upon the breast, 
the rufous-chestnut of the sides more extensive, the black bars of the breast 
and belly much wider. L., 8-50 ; W., 4*40 ; T., 2-50. 

Range. — Florida, except the northern border of the State. 

A common bird throughout the pine-grown portions of the Florida 
peninsula. It is especially numerous on old plantations, where it fre- 
quents patches of " cow peas." It resembles the northern Bob- white 
in habits, but is, I think, more inclined to take to the trees when 
flushed. 1 have seen a whole covey fly up into the lofty pine trees, 
where, squatting close to the limbs, they became almost invisible. 

They begin to pair early in March. 

The European or Migratory Quail (Coturnix coturnix) has been intro- 
duced into this country on several occasions, but does not appear to have sur- 
vived. 

298. Dendragapus canadensis {Linn.). Canada Grouse ; Spruce 
Partridge. Ad, 6 . — Upper parts barred with black, ashy, gray, and grayish 
brown ; tertials and wing-coverts irregularly marked with fuscous and grayish 
brown; tail black, tipped with rufous; the black throat separated from the 
black breast by a broken circular band of black and white and a band of the 
same color as the back of the neck ; sides mottled with black and grayish 
brown, the ends of the feathers with white shaft streaks ; rest of the under 
parts black, broadly tipped with white, except on the middle of the lower 
breast ; bare skin above the eye bright red in life. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts 
barred with black and pale rufous and tipped with ashy gray ; tail black, 
mottled and tipped with rufous ; throat and upper breast barred with pale 
rufous and black ; sides mottled with black and pale rufous, the ends of the 
feathers with white shaft streaks; rest of the under parts black, broadly 
tipped with white and more or less washed with pale rufous. L., 15-00 ; W., 
6-50 ; T., 4-75 ; B. from N., -40. 

Range. — From northern New England, northern New York, and northern 
Minnesota northwestward to Alaska. 

Nest, on the ground. Eggs, nine to sixteen, buffy or pale brownish, more 
or less speckled or spotted with deep brown, 1*71 x 1*22 (Ridgw.). 

This species is a common inhabitant of coniferous forests, and is 
generally resident wherever found. An excellent account of its habits 
is given in Captain Bendire's Life Histories of North American Birds, 
p. 51. 

300. Bonasa umbellus {Linn.). Euffed Grouse ; Partridge ; 
Pheasant. Ad, $ . — Prevailing color of the upper parts rufous, much varie- 
gated with black, ochraccous, buffy, gray, and whitish ; sides of the neck with 
large tufts of broad, glossy black feathers; tail varying from gray to rufous, 
irregularly barred and mottled with black, a broad black or brownish band 
near the end ; tip gray ; throat and breast ochraeeous-buff, a broken blackish 
band on the breast; rest of the under parts white, tinged with buffy and 




o 

p 
to 



GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 1S1 

barred with blackish or dark grayish brown, the bars indistinct on the breast 
and belly, stronger on the Bides. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with the neck tufts 
very small. L., 17-00; W., 7'25; T., 6'25; B. from N., -52. 

Range. — Eastern United States, from Vermont to Virginia, and along the 
Alleghanies to northern Georgia. 

Wasliington, not common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, 
common P. R. 

Nest, on the ground, at the base of a stump or tree, or beneath brush. 
Eggs, eight to fourteen, pale ochraceous-buif, 1*52 x 1-13. 

Of all the characteristics of this superb game bird, its habit of 
drumming is perhaps the most remarkable. This loud tattoo begins 
with the measured thump of the big drum, then gradually changes 
and dies away in the rumble of the kettle-drum. It may be briefly rep- 
resented thus: Thump thump thump — thump, thump; thump, 

thump-rup rup rup rup r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r. The sound is produced by 
the male bird beating the air with his wings as he stands firmly braced 
on some favorite low perch ; and it is now quite well known to be the 
call of the male to the female ; an announcement that he is at the old 
rendezvous — a rendezvous that has perhaps served them for more than 
one season, and a place that in time becomes so fraught with delight- 
ful associations that even in autumn or winter the male, when he finds 
himself in the vicinity, can not resist the temptation to mount his 
wonted perch and vent his feelings in the rolling drum-beat that was 
in springtime his song of love. But now, alas ! there is no lady Grouse 
to come, shy but responsive, at the sound of his reverberating sum- 
mons. 

There is good reason for supposing that the Ruffed Grouse is po- 
lygamous, and that the male, if he drums in vain at one place, will 
fly to another retreat and there seek the society of some more compli- 
ant female. 

The young Grouse can run about as soon as they are hatched, and 
can fly well when about a week old. Their mother is celebrated for the 
variety of expedients she puts in practice to save her brood from threat- 
ened danger, and their father has frequently been known to divide the 
charge with her. The young usually continue with their parents till 
the following spring, though it is rare at this time to see more than 
three or four surviving out of the original twelve or fourteen. 

The food of this Grouse is largely insects and berries during the 
summer; in the autumn it adds seeds to the list, and when the ground 
is covered with snow the staples are catkins, leaves, and buds. 

Its toes are provided during the winter with a curious fringe of 
strong, horny points which act as snowshoes. In the northern part 
of its range this bird commonly burrows into a snowdrift to pass the 
night during the season of intense cold ; but in the summer and in 



182 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 

the warmer region of its range it roosts habitually among the thickets 
of evergreen. — Ernest E. Thompson. 

300a. B. u. togata (Linn.). Canadian Ruffed Grouse; Par- 
tridge. — To be distinguished from the preceding by the prevailing color of 
the upper parts, which are gray instead of rufous, and the more distinctly 
barred under parts, the bars on the breast and belly being nearly as well de- 
nned as those on the side ; the tail is generally gray. 

Range. — Nova Scotia, northern half of Maine, northern Vermont, New 
Hampshire, and New York northward and westward to Hudson Bay and 
Oregon. 

301* Lagopus lagopus (Linn.). Willow Ptarmigan. Ad. 6 in 

summer. — Prevailing color above rufous, or black thickly barred or mottled 
with rufous and butfy or whitish ; tail fuscous, tipped with white ; middle 
tail-coverts like the back; throat, breast, and sides like the head and neck; 
belly white. Ad. 9 in summer. — Similar to the male, but the bars both above 
and below broader and more numerous. Winter plumage. — Tail-feathers fus- 
cous as in summer, rest of the plumage white. L , 15-00 ; W., 7*50 ; T., 4*40; 
B. from N., -42 ; depth of B. at N., -44. 

Remarks. — Both this species and its subspecies alleni may be distinguished 
from our other Ptarmigans by their more rufous color and larger bills. 

Range. — " Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, south in winter; 
in America to Sitka, Alaska, the British Provinces, and occasionally within 
the northern border of the United States" (Bendire). 

Nest^on the ground. Eggs, seven to eleven, varying from cream-butfto 
rufous, heavily spotted and blotched with blackish, 1*75 x 1*20. 

This abundant and characteristic arctic bird does not nest south of 
central Labrador, but migrates southward in winter to the St. Law- 
rence, and has once been taken in northern New 7 York and once in 
New Brunswick. An extended account of its habits will be found in 
Nelson's Report on Natural History Collections made in Alaska, p. 131. 
It is quoted by Captain Bendire in his Life Histories of American 
Birds (p. 70), where will be found practically all we know concerning 
the habits of this and the following members of this genus. 

301a. Li. 1. alleni Stejn, Allen's Ptarmigan. — Differs from the pre- 
ceding in having the " shafts of secondaries black, and quills (sometimes a 
few of the wing-coverts also) more or less blotched or mottled with dusky. 
Summer plumages and young unknown" (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Newfoundland. 

" It frequents rocky barrens, feeding on seeds and berries of the 
stunted plants that thrive in these exposed situations" (Merriam, 
Orn. and 061., viii, 1883, p. 43). 

302. Lagopus rupestris (GmcL). Rook Ptarmigan ; Rocker. Ad. 
$ in summer. — General color above grayish, the feathers black basally ; head 



GROUSE, BOB-WHIT^o, ETC. 183 

and neck barred, and back marked with numerous line wavy lines of gray 
and white or butty; central tail-feathers like the back, outer ones fuscous, 
generally tipped with white; breast and sides like the head and neck; belly 
white. Ad. 9 in, summer. — Above black, barred with ochraceous-buff' and 
margined with grayish ; middle tail-feathers the same, outer ones as in the 
male; middle of the belly white, rest of the under parts like the back, but 
with more ochraceous-buff. Winter plumage. — Lores black, outer tail-feathers 
as in summer, rest of the plumage white. W., 7'25 ; B. from N., *35 ; depth 
of B. at N., -32. 

Range. — "Arctic America in general, southeastward to the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence (Anticosti), except the northern extremity of the peninsula of 
Labrador, and region thence northward, Greenland and Aleutian Islands " 
(Bendire). 

Nest, usually placed among the dwarf brush or sedge-covered patches of 
the tundras. Eggs, six to ten, pale cream or yellowish bulf, sometimes with 
a vinaceous-rufous suffusion, spotted and blotched with clove-brown or dark 
claret-red, 1'65 x 1-18 (Bendire). 

" In its general manners and mode of living it is said to resemble 
alb us [ = L. lagopus], but does not retire so far into the wooded coun- 
try in the winter " (B., B., and R.). 

302a. L. r. reinhardti (Brehm). Greenland Ptarmigan. "Sum- 
mer male. — Similar to corresponding stage of L. rupestris, but less regu- 
larly and coarsely barred above. Summer female. — Above chiefly black, this 
varied irregularly with pale grayish buff, mostly in form of borders to the 
feathers and spots along their edges, or occasionally imperfect bars, these lat- 
ter most distinct on wings, where the two colors are in about equal propor- 
tion ; lower parts light grayish buff, everywhere coarsely barred with black" 
(Kidgw.). 

Range. — Northern parts of Labrador northward to Greenland. 

" They prefer more open ground, and rarely straggle even into the 
skirts of the wooded tracts. The hilltops and barrens (hence often 
called the Barren Ground Bird) are their favorite resorts *' (Turner). 

303. Lagopus welchi Brewst. Welch's Ptarmigan. Ad. $ in 

summer. — Upper parts black, the head and neck barred with white and cchra- 
ceous-buif, the back and wing-coverts finely and irregularly marked with 
wavy lines of buffy and white; tail grayish fuscous, the middle feathers 
tipped with white ; throat white, foreneck like the hind neck, breast and 
sides like the back: rest of the under parts white. 9 . — Upper parts black, 
finely and irregularly barred with ochraceous-buff, grayish, and white ; cen- 
tral tail-feathers like the back, others fuscous ; foreneck, breast, and sides 
like the hind neck ; belly white. Winter plumage. — White, tail fuscous, the 
central feathers tipped with white; lores black. W., 7*25; B. from N., '35: 
depth of B. at N., -32. 

Remarlcs. — This species with L. rupestris is to be distinguished from 
Lag opus lag opus by the ochraceous-buff instead of rufous markings, the fine 



184 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 

grayish wavy bars on the upper parts, and the smaller bill. For a comparison 
of welchi with rupestris see Auk, ii, 1885, p. 193. 

Range.— Newfoundland. 

Nest and eggs unknown. 

" According to Mr. Welch, these Ptarmigan are numerous in New- 
foundland, where they are strictly confined to the bleak sides and sum- 
mits of rocky hills and mountains of the interior" (Brewster, I. c). 

305. Tympanuchus americanus {Reich.). Prairie Hen. Ad. 

$ . — Upper parts barred with rufous and black and spotted with rufous ; sides 
of the neck with tufts generally composed of ten or more narrow, stiffened 
black feathers marked with buffy and rufous, their ends rounded, the skin 
beneath these tufts bare; tail rou nded, fuscous, the inner feathers somewhat 
mottled with ochraceous-buff, tip white ; throat buffy ; breast and belly 
white, evenly barred with black. Ad. 9 .— Similar, but the neck tufts much 
smaller and the tail barred with ochraceous-buff or rufous. L., 18*00; W., 
9-00 ; T., 4-00 ; B. from N., -52. 

Range. — Prairies of Mississippi Valley, south to Louisiana, west to north- 
ern Indian Territory, middle Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern North and South 
Dakota; east to Kentucky, Indiana, northwestern Ohio, southwestern Michi- 
gan, and southwestern Ontario ; north to southern Manitoba (Bendire). 

Nest, on the ground. Eggs, eleven to fourteen, buffy olive, sometimes finely 
speckled with brownish, 1*70 x 1*25. 

"This familiar game bird inhabits our fertile prairies, seldom fre- 
quenting the timbered lands except during sleety storms or when the 
ground is covered with snow. Its flesh is dark, and it is not very 
highly esteemed as a table bird. 

"During the. early breeding season they feed largely upon grass- 
hoppers, crickets, and other forms of insect life, but afterward chiefly 
upon our cultivated grains, gleaned from the stubble in autumn and 
the cornfields in winter ; they are also fond of tender buds, berries, and 
fruits. They run about much like our domestic fowls,- but with a more 
stately carriage. When flushed they rise from the ground with a less 
whirring sound than the Ruffed Grouse or Bob-white, and their flight 
is not as swift, but more protracted and with less apparent effort, flap- 
ping and sailing along, often to the distance of a mile or more. In 
the fall the birds collect together and remain in flocks until the warmth 
of spring quickens their blood and awakes the passions of love ; then, 
as with a view to fairness and the survival of the fittest, they select a 
smooth open courtship ground (usually called a 'scratching ground '), 
where the males assemble at the early dawn to vie with each other in 
courage and pompous display, uttering at the same time their love 
call, a loud booming noise ; as soon as this is heard by the hen birds 
desirous of mating they quietly put in an appearance, squat upon the 



GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 185 

ground, apparently indifferent observers, until claimed by victorious 
rivals, which they gladly accept, and receive their caresses " (Goss). 

306* Tympanuchus cupido (Linn.). Heath Hen.— Similar to the 
preceding, but the scapulars broadly tipped with buffy ; the neck tufts of less 
than ten feathers ; these feathers pointed, not rounded, at the ends. 

Range. — Island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass. 

Nest, w in oak woods, among sprouts at the base of a large stump " (Brew- 
ster). Eggs, six to thirteen, " creamy buff in color, with a slight greenish 
tinge," 1-73 x 1-29. 

In the early part of this century the Heath Hen was found locally 
throughout the Middle States, where, unlike its western representative, 
the Prairie Hen, it lived in wooded districts. It is now restricted to 
the island of Martha's Vineyard, an excellent illustration of the pro- 
tection afforded by an insular habitat. 

Mr. William Brewster, writing in 1890 (Forest and Stream, p. 188; 
see also p. 207), estimated that there were from one hundred and 
twenty to two hundred Heath Hens then on the island, but he has 
recently informed me that since then, owing to insufficient protection, 
they have been nearly exterminated. 

308b. Pediocaetes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. Prairie 
Sharp-tailed Grouse. Ad. $ . — Prevailing color of the upper parts ochra- 
ceous-buff, barred and irregularly marked with black; no neck tufts ; outer 
web of the primaries spotted with w T hite; middle tail-feathers projecting 
about an inch beyond the others, ochraceous-buff and black ; throat buffy ; 
breast with V-shaped marks of black ; sides irregularly barred or spotted with 
black or buffy; middle of the belly white. Ad. 9. — Similar, but smaller; 
the middle tail-feathers shorter. L., 17*50 ; W., 8-50 ; T., 4-50 ; B. from N., -50. 

Range. — Western United States from New Mexico northward to Manitoba, 
east to Wisconsin and northern Illinois. 

Nest, on the ground. Eggs, eleven to fourteen, creamy buff or pale olive- 
brown, generally slightly spotted with fine, reddish brown markings, 1-65 x 
1-22 (Bendire). 

This partially migratory species lives on the prairies during the 
summer and in wooded regions in the winter. A capital account of 
its habits is given by Ernest E. Thompson in his Birds of Manitoba. 

Family Phasianid^e. Pheasants, etc. 

With the exception of the Yucatan Turkey and the four races of 
our Wild Turkey, the some ninety species included in this family are 
inhabitants of the Old World, and are most numerously represented 
in southern Asia, where are found the Peacock, many of the Pheasants, 
and the Jungle Fowl, from which the varieties of our domesticated 
fowls have descended. 



[86 WILD TURKEYS. 

310. Melcagris gallopavo Linn. Wild Turkey. — The Wild 
Turkey may be distinguished from the common domestic race chiefly by the 
chestnut instead of while tips to the upper tail-coverts and tail. u <s ad. L., 
about 48-00-50 ; W., 21*00 ; T M 18*50 ; Weight 16 10 lbs." (Ridgw.), 

Hang*. Eastern United States from Pennsylvania southward to Florida, 

West to Wisconsin, the Indian 'Territory, and Texas. 

Washington, rare I*. R. 

v, >/, on the ground, at, the base of a bush or tree, /w^s ten to fourteen, 
pale cream buff, finely and evenly speckled with grayish brown, 2*45 x i*95. 

This noble game -bird is rapidly decreasing in numbers, and in 
comparatively few years will doubtless be found only in the pails of 
its range which are unfit for the habitation ot man. 

Except during the breeding season, Wild Turkeys are found in 
small flocks of six to twelve or fifteen individuals of both sexes. They 
roost preferably in the trees in wooded bottom-lands, returning each 
night to the same locality. 

At the opening o( the breeding season in March the male begins to 
gobble. As a rule, ho calls only early in the morning, before Leaving 
his roost. Later he sails to the ground and at once begins his search 
for breakfast, or, attracted by the plaintive piping of some female, he 
struts and displays his (harms before her. It is at this time that bat - 
ties between the males occur. They are polygamists, and the victor 
becomes sultan of the harem. During the period of incubation, and 
while the young require their mother's care, the females do not associ- 
ate with the males, who then flock together. 

The calls of both sexes so closely resemble those of the domestic 
birds that it requires a practiced ear to distinguish them. In Locali- 
ties where both birds might be expected to occur, 1 could never be 

Sure whether 1 was listening to the challenge Of Some defiant gobbler 

perched in a cypress in the valley below, or to the vainglorious effort 
of the Lord of the poultry yard. 

The Wild Turkej is divided by ornithologists into four closely re- 
lated races, Meleagris gallopavo is the bird of the Eastern States; 
M. a. oseeola, as stated below, is found in southern Florida; M. g. 
tllioti inhabits southeastern Texas and northeastern Mexico; M . g% 

mexicana ranges from western Texas to Arizona, and south over the 

table lands of Mexico to Vera Cruz. It is this race, with white-tipped 

Upper tail-COVerts, which was first introduced into Europe, where it 

had become established as early as 1580, 

310b. M. g. osceola Scott, Florida Wild Turkey.--— Resembles 
M. gallopavOy hut is smaller, and the primaries, instead of being regularly and 

Widely barred with white, as in that bird, have niueh smaller, broken white 

markings. Weight, 6 12 22 Lbs.; 9 4*75 9 Lbs, (Scott, Auk, i\, L8&2, p. LIS) 
luvnj*. Southern Florida. 



PIGEONS AND DOVES. 187 

ORDER COLUMBJE. PIGEONS AND DOVES. 

Family Columbid^e. Pigeons and Doves. 

About one third of the three hundred known species of Pigeons 
and Doves are found in the New World, but of this number only twelre 
speeies occur in North America. The birds of this family differ widely 

in their choice of haunts. Some, are strictly arboreal, others as strictly 
terrestrial. Some seek the forests and others prefer fields and clear- 
ings. Some nest in colonies, others in isolated pairs, but most speeies 
are found in flocks of greater or less size after the breeding season. 
When drinking, they do not raise the head as other birds do to swal- 
low, but keep the bill immersed until the draught is finished. The 
young are born naked and are fed by regurgitation. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Tail widely tipped with white or grayish white. 

a. Tail pointed. 

a 1 . Back or rump bluish slate-color 315. Passenger Pigeon. 

a 9 . Hack olive grayish brown 316. Mourning Dove. 

b. Tail square 317. Zenaida Dove. 

]>. Tail not tipped with white. 

a. Upper parts dark slate -color 314. White-obowned Pioeon. 

b. Upper parts rufous with purplish reflections. 

A 1 . Line below the eye and belly white or whitish . 322. Quail Dove. 
L*. Line under the eye and belly bully ochraceous. 

322.1. Euody Quail Dove. 

c. Upper parts grayish olive-brown. 

c l . Crown blue, a white line below the eye. 

323. Blue-headed Quail Dove. 
c a . Crown pinkish or like the back 320. Ground Dove. 

314. Columba leucocephala Linn. White-crowned Pigeon. 
Ad. 6. — Rich slate-color ; crown white; back of the head purplish chestnut; 
back of the neck with greenish reflections, each feather with a black border. 
Ad. 9. — Similar, but paler; crown ashy, less purplish chestnut: back and 
sides of the neck brownish ash with metallic reflections and black margins. 
L., 13-50; W., 7'50; T., 5-10; B., -70. 

Range. — Florida Keys, West Indies, and coast of Central America. 
Neat, in low bushes. Eggs, two, glossy white, 1*41 x 1*02. 

This Pigeon is locally common in some of the keys off southern 
Florida, and has been known to occur on the mainland. According 
to Mr. J. W. Atkins (Auk, vi, 1880, p. 24G), it arrives at Key West early 
in May and remains until November. 

315. Ectopistes migratorius (Linn.). Passenoee Pigeon. (See 
Fig. 28.) Ad. 6 .— Upper parts rich bluish slate-color; back and sides of the 



188 PIGEONS AND DOVES. 

neck with metallic reflections ; middle of the back and scapulars more or less 
washed with olive-brown ; middle tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones black at 
the base, then slaty blue, fading into a broad, white tip ; under parts deep, 
rich vinaceous ; lower belly white ; throat bluish slate-color. Ad. 9 . — Simi- 
lar, but upper parts with less iridescence and more olive-brown ; breast pale 
grayish brown; belly whitish. Im. — Generally similar to the 9, but the 
feathers of the upper parts and breast tipped with whitish, the primaries edged 
. and tipped with rufous. L., 16-29 ; W., T82; T., 7'53 ; B., 7"10. 

Range. — Eastern North America, northward in the interior to Hudson Bay, 
breeding locally throughout the more northern part of its range. 

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. or W. V. Sing Sing, formerly rare 
S. R. and common T. V., Apl. 15 to May 17 ; Aug. 21 to Oct. 11 ; last seen 
Oct. 11, 1888. Cambridge, rare and irregular T. V. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in a tree. Eggs, one to two, white, 1*45 x 1*09. 

Wilson, writing about 1808, estimated that a flock of Wild Pigeons 
observed by him near Frankfort, Kentucky, contained at least 2,230,- 
272,000 individuals. Captain Bendire, writing in 1892, says : u . . . It 
looks now as if their total extermination might be accomplished within 
the present century. The only thing which retards their complete ex- 
tinction is that it no longer pays to net these birds, they being too 
scarce for this now, at least in the more settled portions of the coun- 
try, and also, perhaps, that from constant and unremitting persecution 
on their breeding grounds they have changed their habits somewhat, 
the majority no longer breeding in colonies, but scattering over the 
country and breeding in isolated pairs" (Life Histories of North 
American Birds, p. 133). 

An article by William Brewster on The Present Status of the Wild 
Pigeon as a Bird of the United States, with some Notes on its Habits 
(Auk, vi, 1889, pp. 285-291), gives much information concerning the 
recent history of the bird in Michigan, one of its last strongholds. 
According to an informant of Mr. Brewster's, the last nesting in Michi- 
gan of any importance was in 1881. " It was of only moderate size — 
perhaps eight miles long." The largest known Michigan nesting oc- 
curred in 1876 or 1877. It was twenty-eight miles long and averaged 
three or four miles in width. 

In the Atlantic States the Wild Pigeon is now so rare a bird that 
during the past sixteen years I have seen only one pair. 

316. Zenaidura macroura {Linn.). Mourning Dove. Ad. $. — 

Upper parts olive grayish brown; forehead vinaceous ; crown bluish slate- 
color; sides of the neck with metallic reflections, a small black mark below the 
ear; middle tail-feathers like the back, the others, seen from above, slaty 
gray for the basal half, then banded with black and broadly tipped with ashy 
und white; breast vinaceous; belly cream-buff. Ad. 9. — Similar, but with 
bss iridescence; breast and forehead washed with grayish brown. Im. — 



PIGEONS AND DOVES. 189 

Much like the 9 , but the feathers tipped with whitish. L., ll - 85; W., 5*72; 
T.,5-50; B., -53. 

Remarks. — The Dove is sometimes mistaken for the Wild Pigeon, but, 
aside from the differences in size, may always be distinguished by its olive 
grayish brown instead of bluish slate-color rump, the black mark below the 
ear, and other characters. 

Range. — North America, breeding from Cuba north to Ontario, Quebec, 
and southern Maine, and wintering from southern Illinois and New York to 
the Greater Antilles and Panama. 

Washington, P. R. ; common, except in winter. Sing Sing, common S. P., 
Mch. 3 to Nov. 27 ; a few winter. Cambridge, occasional during summer in 
the immediate vicinity of Cambridge. 

Nest, a flat structure of small twigs rather loosely put together, on the 
lower branches of a tree, generally within ten feet of the ground; rarely on 
the ground in the Eastern States. Eggs, two, white, 1*07 x -83. 

Doves resemble Wild Pigeons, but are much smaller, and their rapid 
flight is accompanied by the whistling sound of wings, while the flight 
of the Wild Pigeon is said to be noiseless. 

During the nesting season they may be found in pairs, generally 
in open woodlands or tree-bordered fields. They also visit roads and 
lanes to dust themselves. The sweet, sad call of the male has won for 
this species its common name ; it consists of several soft coos, which 
may be written : Coo-o-o, ah-coo-o-o — coo-o-o — coo-o-o. Under favor- 
able circumstances these notes may be heard at a distance of at least 
two hundred and fifty yards: they are uttered slowly and tenderly, 
and with such apparent depth of feeling that one might easily imagine 
the bird was mourning the loss of his mate, instead of singing a love- 
song to her. 

At this season one or both birds may be seen performing a peculiar 
aerial evolution. Ascending to a height of about thirty feet, they fly 
for some distance in an unnatural manner, and then, after a short sail, 
return to their perch. When engaged in this performance they very 
closely resemble a Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

After the nesting season Doves gather in flocks of varying size and 
frequent grain and corn fields. During the day they visit the near- 
est supply of fine gravel, which they eat in large quantities as an aid 
to digestion. In some localities, soon after sunset, they regularly re- 
pair in numbers to some favorite place to drink, and then retire to 
their roosts. 

317. Zenaida zenaida (Bonap.). Zenaida Dove. Ad.— Bears a 
general resemblance to Zenaidura maeroura, but the tail is square and tipped 
with ashy, and the under parts are deep, rich vinaceous. L., 10-00 ; W., 6-10; 
T., 3-50 ; B., -66. 

Range. — Florida Keys, West Indies, and coast of Yucatan 

Nest, on or near the ground. Eggs, two, glossy w T hite, 1'22 x *92. 



190 PIGEONS AND DOVES. 

This is a common West Indiai species. Audubon found it in 
numbers in the keys off southern Florida, where he records it as a 
summer resident, arriving in April and departing in October. The 
few naturalists who have visited these keys since Audubon's time have 
not been there in the summer, and we do not therefore know whether 
this species still occurs there at that season. It is more terrestrial in 
habits than the Mourning Dove, and its notes are deeper, louder, and 
more solemn than the notes of that species. 

The White-winged Dove (819. MelopeHa leucoptera) is a species of gen- 
eral distribution from the Mexican border of the United States south to Costa 
Rica, and it lias been recorded from Cuba, Jamaica, and San Domingo. It is 
of accidental occurrence at Key West, Florida. 

320. Columbigallina passerina terrestris Chapm. Ground 
Dove; Mourning Dove. Ad. $ . — Forehead and under parts v in aceous, the 

centers of the breast-feathers blackish ; top and back of the head bluish slate- 
color; back brownish gray; tail blackish, the outer 1'eathers with small white 
tips; base of the bill coral-red, tip black. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the forehead 
and under parts pale brownish gray. />». - Resembles the ? , but the feathers 
arc tipped with whitish. L., G'75 ; W., 3*60; T., 2-50; B., '50. 

Rxnge<— South Atlantic and Gulf States north to North Carolina, west to 
Tevii-; more common near the coast than inland. 

Washington, accidental ; two records. 

Nest, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Eggs, two, white, '85 x -67. 

This diminutive Pigeon frequents both pines and "hummocks," 

lake-shores and old fields, and in some southern towns is a familiar 
bird of the quieter streets. It is by no means shy, and runs before 
one with quick, short steps and a graceful movement of the head. Oc- 
casionally it holds its tail upright, giving it a peculiar bantamlike ap- 
pearance. Its flight is short, and when on the wing it bears an odd 
resemblance to a short-tailed Japanese kite. 

Its favorite roosting places are densely foliaged orange trees, and 
frequently when the bird is hidden in their depths one may hear its 
mellow, crooning coos uttered so softly that they float on the air as 
though born of murmuring winds. 

322. Geotrygon martinica (Gmel.). Quail Dove.— Upper parts 
rufous, with brilliant metallic reflections; wings rufous; a white line beneath 
the rye ; breast vinaeeous ; belly white. L., Ll'00 ; W., 6*20; T., 5-00; B., '50. 

Range. — Florida Keys and West Indies. 

Nest, in trees. Eggs, two, ochraccous-white, 1'22 x "94 (Rendire). 

A West Indian species which occurs during the summer regularly, 
but, so far as known, only in small numbers in the Florida Keys. 

The Quail Doves inhabit wooded districts, where they live on tho 
ground. Their flight is low and noiseless, and, according to my ex- 



VULTURES. 191 

perience with them in Cuba, they are difficult birds to observe unless 
one can find some tree on the fallen fruits of which they are feeding. 

The Buddy Quail Dovb {$22.1. Geotrygon montana) in a West Indian 
and Central American species, which has been once recorded from Key West 
(Atkins, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 160). It hears a general resemblance to the pre- 
ceding, but, the back is more rufous and the belly is deep cream-butt. 

The Blue-headed Quail Dove (323. Star nemos cyanocephala\ a Cuban 
species, in of accidental occurrence in the Florida Keys. The hack is olive- 
brown, the crown and sides of the throat are deep grayish blue, throat black, 
line beneath the eye white. 



ORDER RAPTORES. BIRDS OF PREY. 

Family Cathartid^e. American Vultures. 

A New World family of eight species, of which three are North 
American. Within their range Vultures are found wherever there is 
food. Far above the earth on firm wing they sail in broad circles, and 
from this outlook in the sky descend to feast upon the stricken deer 
in the forest or the cur lying in the gutters of a thoroughfare. Except 
during the nesting season, they are generally found in flocks, which 
each night return to a regularly frequented roost. When alarmed, 
they utter low, grunting sounds, but at other times are voiceless. 

325. Cathartes aura (Linn.). Turkey Vulture. (See Fig. 32.) 
Ad.— Read and neck naked, the skin and base of the bill bright red ; plum- 
age flossy black, edged with grayish brown. Im. — Similar, but the head 
covered with grayish-brown furlike feathers. L., about 30-00; W., 2200; 
T., 11-00; B., 2-30. 

Range. — Temperate North America, from New Jersey southward to Pata- 
gonia. Of more or less regular occurrence in New Jersey as far north as 
Princeton in the interior and Sandy Hook on'the coast. 

Washington, abundant P. E. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, in hollow stumps or logs, or on the ground beneath bushes or pal- 
mettos. Eggs, one to three, dull white, generally spotted and blotched with 
distinct and obscure chocolate marking, but sometimes plain or but slightly 
spotted, 2-80 x 2 1 >0. 

Doubtless one of the first things that attract the attention of a 
stranger in our Southern States is the Turkey Buzzard. Indeed, there 
are few moments between sunrise and sunset when these birds are 
not in sight. On outstretched, immovable wings they soar overhead 
in graceful circles, perfect pictures of "repose in motion." Without 
once flapping their broad pinions, they sail in spirals up the sky until 
they are hidden by the storm-clouds they have purposely avoided. 



192 VULTURES. 

Again, one sees them winging their way low over fields or through the 
streets of a town in search of food, which their powers of both sight 
and smell assist them in finding. 

Their services as scavengers are invaluable. The thought of bury- 
ing a dead horse or cow never occurs to the southern planter. He 
simply drags the animal to a more or less retired place and leaves it 
for the Buzzards, who never fail to do justice to the repast. 

In some southern towns they make a self-constituted street-clean- 
ing department, and if their efforts were seconded by a corps of goats, 
to dispose of the more indigestible materials, they would form an ad- 
mirable branch of the public service. 

After a rain it is a common sight to see Buzzards perching with 
wings held in spread-eagle fashion as they dry their water-soaked 
plumage. Frequently they stand on the top of a chimney to take ad- 
vantage of the heat arising with the smoke. 

Their only note is a low, hissing sound uttered when they are dis- 
turbed. Just after sunset Buzzards may be seen sailing to their 
roosting place, generally in the upper branches of a dead tree. 

326. Catharista atrata (Bartr.). Black Vulture. Ad.— Head 
and neck bare, the skin and base of the bill blackish ; plumage glossy black ; 
under surface of the wings silvery. L., about 24-00; W., 17'00; T., 8*00; B., 
2-20. 

Range. — Breeds from North Carolina southward, through Mexico to South 
America, and occasionally strays as far north as Maine. 

Nest, on the ground, under logs, bushes, palmettos, etc. Eggs, one to three, 
pale bluish white, generally more or less spotted with distinct and obscure 
chocolate markings, 2*95 x 2-00. 

This species is more abundant near the seacoast and less common 
in the interior than the preceding. It is also more often found living 
in towns or cities. Any one who has visited the vicinity of the market 
in Charleston, S. C, will testify to its abundance and semi-domestica- 
tion there. Indeed, the birds have become so tame that when engaged 
in devouring some savory morsel they are in frequent danger of being 
trodden under foot. 

Black Vultures are heavier birds than Turkey Buzzards, and when- 
ever the ownership of food is in question the dispute is invariably 
settled in the Vulture's favor. Their stretch of wing, however, is not 
so great, and for this reason their flight is far less easy and graceful 
than that of the Buzzard. They flap their wings oftener, and this 
habit, in connection with their black heads, grayish primaries, and 
comparatively short tails, serves to identify them in the field. The only 
note I have ever heard from them is a low grunt uttered when they 
are disturbed. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 193 



Family Falconid^e. Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, etc. 

The three hundred and fifty species included in this family are 
distributed throughout the world. One tenth of the number are found 
in Xorth America. During the migratory seasons they may some- 
times be seen traveling in scattered flocks, which may take hours to 
pass a given point. At other times of the year, with few exceptions, 
they are solitary birds, having no intercourse with their kind. During 
the breeding season many species have definitely bounded haunts, upon 
which intrusion by individuals of the same species is not permitted. 
With much regularity they return to the same locality and even the 
same nest year after year, and some species are known to mate for life. 
Their days are an unceasing vigil. At all times they are on the alert 
for food. This consists to a large extent of small mammals and in- 
sects, birds and poultry forming a comparatively insignificant part of 
the diet of most species. Hawks are thus of great value to the agri- 
culturist as the natural check upon the increase of the myriads of 
small rodents so destructive to crops. 

The cries of Hawks are generally loud, startling, and characteristic 
of their fierce natures. They strike their prey with their feet, and use 
the bill to tear it into fragments. 

Hawks' nests are generally bulky affairs, composed of coarse twigs 
and sticks. The presence of downy feathers gives evidence that they 
are or have been recently occupied. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 19-00. 

A. Upper half of tarsus feathered. 

a. Whole head and neck white 352. Bald Eagle (Ad.). 

b. Head and neck brown or brownish. 

b l . Bill mostly yellow (Greenland) . . 351. Gray Sea Eagle (Ad.). 
I*. Bill black or blackish ........ 352. Bald Eagle (Im.). 

B. Whole tarsus feathered 349. Golden Eagle. 

II. Wing under 19*00. 

1. Feathers of under parts more or less streaked and 
spotted, without cross-bars. 
A, Outer primary with numerous black or blackish bars. 
a. Wing under 10-00. 
a 1 . Back bright rufous, with or without black bars. 

360. Am. Sparrow Hawk. 

a 2 . Back bluish slate-color 357. Pigeon Hawk (Ad.). 

a 3 . Back fuscous, second primary longest. 

357. Pigeon Hawk (Im.). 
a 4 . Back fuscous, fourth primary longest, tail-feathers of nearly equal 

length ; wing under 9-00 332. Siiarp-shinned Hawk. 

14 



igi FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

a 5 . Back fuscous, fourth primary longest, outer tail-feathers half an 
inch or more shorter than the middle ones ; wing over 9*00. 

333. Cooper's Hawk. 
b. Wing over 10-00. 

b l . Second primary longest, tail generally over 9*00. 
6 2 . "Lower tail-coverts immaculate white." 353. White Gyrfalcon. 
b*. " Lower tail-coverts always more or less marked with dusky." 

354. Gray Gyrfalcon and Eaces. 
c l . Second primary longest, tail under 9*00. 
c*. Tarsus shorter than middle toe without nail, upj>er parts blackish. 

35G. Luck Hawk. 
c*. Tarsus longer than middle toe without nail, upper parts 

brownish 355. Prairie Falcon. 

d l . Third or fourth primary longest. 

(P. Upper tail-coverts white 331. Marsh Hawk. 

d 3 . Upper tail-coverts brownish . . . 334. Am. Goshawk (1m.). 
B. Outer primary generally one color, base sometimes whitish or with 
a few imperfect bars. 

a. Tarsus entirely bare, scales on its front large, rounded. 

3G2. Audubon's Caracara. 

b. Tarsus entirely feathered .... 348. Ferruginous Rough-leg. 

c. Tarsus partly feathered, scales on its front small, rounded. 

3G4. Am. Osprey 

d. Tarsus partly feathered, scales on its front transverse, more or leb. 

square. 
d l . Three outer primaries emarginate or "notched.'"* 

d*. Wing under 12*00 .... 343. Broad-winged Hawk (Im.). 

d 3 . Wing over 12-00 342. Swainson's Hawk (Im.). 

e 1 . Four outer primaries emarginate or." notched." t 

e 2 . Upper tail-coverts pure white 331. Marsh Hawk. 

e 3 . Upper tail-coverts not pure white; wing under 13*50; lesser 
wing-coverts conspicuously margined with rufous. 

339. Eed-shouldered Hawk (Im.). 
e A . Upper tail-coverts not pure white ; wing over 13*50; lesser wing- 
coverts not conspicuously margined with rufous. 

337. Red-tailed Hawk and Kaces. 
2. Feathers of under parts -with more or less numerous 
cross-bars. 

A. Scales on front of the tarsus numerous, rounded. 

a. Wing under 15*00 356. Duck Hawk. 

b. Wing over 15*00 3G2. Audubon's Caracara. 

B. Scales on front of the tarsus sharply defined, transverse, more or less 

square. 
a. Four or five outer primaries emarginate or " notched." f 
a 1 . Tail white at the base and tipped with whitish. 

330. Everglade Kite. 

* See Fig. 70. t See Fig. G9. 



u 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 195 

c a . Tail rufous, with sometimes a black band near the end. 

337. Red-tailed Hawk (Ad.) and Races. 
« 3 . Tail black or blackish, with four to six white or grayish cross- 
bars . 330. Red-shouldered Hawk (Ad.). 

339«. Florida Red-siiouldered Hawk (Ad.). 
a 4 . Tail 10*00 long, gray, with several indistinct blackish bands. 

334. Am. Goshawk. 
b. Three outer primaries emarginate or "notched."* 
b 1 . Tail with two or three broad whitish bars. 

343. Broad-winged Hawk (Ad.). 
ft. Tail with numerous narrow, indistinct blackish bars. 

342. Swainson's Hawk (Ad.). 

C. Front of the tarsus smooth, or with the scales not sharply defined ; 

outer primary barred. 

a. Wing under 9*00, tail-feathers of nearly equal length. 

332. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Ad.). 

b. Wing over 9'00, outer tail-feathers half .an inch shorter than the mid- 
dle ones; upper tail-coverts not white. 333. Cooper's Hawk (Ad.). 

c. Wing over 9-00; upper tail-covcrts white. 331. Marsh Hawk (Ad.). 

D. Tarsus entirely feathered. 

a. Legs rich rufous, heavily barred . 348. Ferruginous Rough-leg. 

b. Legs ochraceous-buff, more or less barred. 

347a. Am. Rough-legged Hawk. 
3. Under parts without streaks or bars. 

A. Under parts white. 

a. Scales on front of tarsus transverse, more or less square. 

334. Short-tailed Hawk. 

b. Scales on front of tarsus numerous, rounded. 
b l . Tail barred. 

h*. Upper parts not barred 3G4. Am. Ospre^ 

I 3 . Upper parts barred 353. White Gyrfalcon. 

c 1 . Tail not barred. 

c 2 . Tail square, white 328. White-tailed Kite. 

c*. Tail forked, bluish black . . . 327. Swallow-tailed Kite. 

B. Under parts dark brown, slate, gray, or black. 

a. Tarsus entirely feathered . . . 347a. Am. Rough-legged Hawk. 

b. Tarsus partly feathered, scales transverse, more or less square. 
b l . Wing over 13-00. 

b 2 . Upper tail-coverts, base and tip of the tail white ; two outer 
primaries slightly " notched" .... 330. Everglade Kite. 
b 3 . Three outer primaries "notched"* . 342. Swainson's Hawk. 
b*. Four outer primaries " notched " . . 338. Harlan's Hawk. 
c 1 . Wing under 13-00. 
c 2 . Primaries more or less distinctly barred ; general plumage sooty 

black 344. Short-tailed Hawk. 

c 3 . Primaries not barred ; general plumage slaty blue. 

329. Mississippi Kite. 

* See Fig. 70. 



196 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

327. Elanoides forficatus {Linn.). Swallow-tailed Kite. Ad. 
— Head, neck, linings of the wings, rump, part of tertials, and under parts 
white; rest of the plumage glossy bluish black; tail deeply forked, the outer 
feathers about 8'00 longer than the middle ones. L., 24*00; W., 16-50; T., 
13*50 ; B. from N., -80. 

Range. — Southern United States north to Pennsylvania and casually to 
Massachusetts; south to South America; breeding locally throughout its 
range, and wintering in Central and South America. 

Nest, in the upper branches of tall trees. Eggs, two to four, white or bufl'y 
white, boldly spotted or blotched, chiefly round the larger end, with hazel- 
brown, chestnut, or rich madder-brown, 1*87 x 1*49 (Ridgw.). 

The Swallow-tailed Kite winters in Central and South America, 
and appears in the United States in March. Its home is the air, and 
it is far more frequently seen on the wing than at rest. It captures 
its prey, devours it, and drinks while under way. Its flight possesses 
all the marvelous ease and grace of a Swallow's, made more evident, 
and consequently more impressive, by the bird's much greater size. 

328. Elanus leucurus ( Vieill.). White-tailed Kite. Ad. — Upper 
parts ashy gray, whiter on the head ; wing-coverts black ; tail and under parts 
white. L., 15-50; W.,. 12-50; T., 7*00; B. from N., -70. 

Range. — Breeds from South Carolina, southern Illinois, and Indian Terri- 
tory southward through Mexico to the Argentine Republic; rare east of the 
Mississippi. 

Nest, in trees. Eggs, three to four, "handsomely marbled or clouded with 
various shades of rich madder-brown on a paler (sometimes whitish) ground, 
1-71 x 1-81" (Ridgw.). 

This species is not often found east of the Mississippi. It frequents 
open, marshy situations. A pair which I observed in Texas hunted 
by hovering over the reeds, sustaining a position facing the wind, and 
about forty feet from the ground, by a gentle movement of the wings. 

329. Ictinia mississippiensis ( Wits.). Mississippi Kite. Ad.— 
Head, neck, exposed margins of the secondaries, and under parts gray ; back 
bluish slate-color; primaries streaked or spotted with rufous-chestnut; tail 
black, without bars. Im. — Head streaked with black and white; back black- 
ish, tipped with rufous or white, the concealed parts of the feathers white and 
with generally one blackish bar; primaries without rufous; tail with three 
or four broken white bars; below huffy, streaked with rufous and grayish 
brown. L., 14-00; W., 11-25; T., G-50 ; B. from N., -GO. 

l\<inge. — Breeds from South Carolina, southern Illinois, and Kansas south 
ward to Central America; winters in the tropics. 

\<st, in tall trees. Eggs, two, dull white, sometimes with a bluish tinge, 
1-63 x 1-32. 

This bird, like the preceding, is only a summer resident in the 
United States, arriving from the south in April. It is not common 



i 

: 



FALCONS. HAWKS. EAGLES, ETC. 197 

(Mist of Louisiana. It migrates in flocks, sometimes flying within gun- 
shot, and at others so far above the earth as to be almost beyond the 
bounds of vision. 

330. Rostrhamus sociabilis VieilL). Everglade Kite; Snail- 
Hawk. Ad. 6. — Dark slate-color; under, and longer upper tail-coverts, and 

- of the tail white, tip of the tail whitish ; upper mandible much length- 
ened and hooked. 9 and im. — Upper parts black, tipped with rufous: under 
parts barred and mottled with rufous, black, and butty; tail as in the Ad. $, 
L., 18-00; W\. 1400; T., 7-75: B., 1-S 

Range. — Breeds from middle Florida southward to the Argentine Republic. 

Nest, in bushes, among reeds or tall grasses. Eggs, two to three, pale blu- 
ish white, heavily spotted, blotched, or washed with cinnamon or chocolate, 
i-85> 147. 

This species is a summer resident in southern Florida. It arrives 
from the south in February. 3Ir. W. E. D. Scott writes of it as ob- 
served at Lake Panasofkee, Florida : M Their food at this point appar- 
ently consists of a kind of large, fresh- water snail, which is very abun- 
dant, and the local name of ; Snail-Hawk ? is particularly applicable 
to this bird as I have met with it. They fish over the shallow water, 
reminding one of Gulls in their motions ; and having secured a snail 
by diving, they immediately carry it to the nearest available perch, 
where the animal is dexterously taken from the shell without injury 
to the latter" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 1881, p. 16). 

331. Circus hudsonius Linn.). Marsh Hawk ; Harrier. Ad. $.— 
Upper parts gray or ashy ; upper tail-coverts white ; tail silvery gray, irregu- 
larly barred or marked with blackish : upper breast pearl-gray ; the lower 
breast and belly white, spotted or barred with rufous. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts 
fuscous, the head and neck streaked, and the wing-coverts spotted or margined 
with rufous : longer upper tail-coverts white ; middle tail-feathers barred with 
ashy and black, others barred with oehraceous-buff and black ; under parts 
ochraceous-buff, widely streaked on the breast and narrowly streaked on the 
belly with fuscous or light umber. Im. — Similar to the ? , but somewhat 
darker above; the under parts darker, almost rufous; the belly without 
streaks. * L., 10 00; W., 10-75; T-. 0'00; B. from >., -CO. 9 L., 22*00; AV., 

Range. — North America in general, south to Panama. 

Washington, common W. V.. July to Apl. Sing Sing, tolerably common 
8. Ii., Mch. 6 to Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, common T. V., Mch. 15 
to Apl. 15; Sept. and Oct ; a few breed. 

Xest. on the ground, in marshes. Eggs, four to six, dull white or pale 
bluish white, 1*75 x 1*40. 

This Hawk is essentially a bird of the unwooded country, and we 
might as well look for a Grouse in the open marsh as for a Harrier in 
the thick woods. It flies low, and may be easily identified by the large 



198 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 



white patch on its rump. Quartering the country with slow vacillating 
flight, it usually captures its living prey by surprising it away from 
its retreats. 

The Harrier is a low-perching Hawk, and most frequently will 
be seen alighting on a slight elevation or in the grass. During the 
nesting season the male may be seen endeavoring to win the admira- 
tion of the principal spectator by performing a number of extraor- 
dinary aerial evolutions. Sometimes he soars to a great height, 
then falls straight downward nearly to the ground, turning several 
somersaults during the descent, and uttering at the same time a re- 
iterated screeching. At other times he flies across the marsh in a 
course which would outline a gigantic saw, each of the descending 
parts being done in a somersault and accompanied by the screeching 
notes, which form the only love song within the range of his limited 
;rocal powers. — Ernkst E. Thompson. 

' ; Of 124 stomachs examined, 7 contained poultry, or game birds ; 
84, other birds; 57, mice; 22, other mammals; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs: 
14, insects; 1, indeterminate matter, and 8 were empty" (Fisher). 

332. Accipiter velox ( Wils.). Sharp-shinned Hawk. Ad. — Upper 

parts slaty gray ; primaries barred with blachisli ; tail nearly square, ashy 

gray, with blackish cross-bars and a whit- 
ish tip; throat white, streaked with black- 
ish; rest of under parts barred with white 
and ochraceous-buff or pale rufous. Im. — 
Upper parts fuscous, margined with rufous ; 
primaries and tail much as in the ad. ; un- 
der parts white or buflfy white, streaked or 
spotted with blackish or pale rufous-brown. 
6 L., 11-25; W., 6-60; T., 5-50; B. from K, 
•40. 9 L., 13-50; W., S'OO; T., 7'00. 

Remarks. — This species very closely re- 
sembles Cooper's Hawk. In adult plumage 
the black cap characterizes that species, but 
immature birds may be distinguished only 
by size and the difference in the shape of 
the tail, which in velox is nearly square, and in cooperi decidedly rounded. 

Range. — Breeds throughout the United States, and winters from Massa- 
chusetts to Central America. 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. K. Cambridge, com- 
mon T. V., Apl. 15 to Apl. 30; Sept. and Oct. ; rare S. R., uncommon W. V. 

Nest, in trees, fifteen to forty feet from tho ground. Eggs, three to six, 
varying from bluish white to pale cream-buff, distinctly spotted, heavily 
blotched, or even washed with chocolate or cinnamon-rufous, 1*55 x 1*20. 

The generally misapplied names " Hen Hawk " and " Chicken 
Hawk " should be restricted to the birds of this genus, for they de- 




Fig. 67.— Square tail of Sharp 
skinned Hawk. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 



199 



serve the reputation commonly attributed to the large Hawks of the 
genus But eo. 

The Sharp-shinned Hawk differs decidedly in habits from the 
mouse- or insect-eating species, which watch for their prey from a 
lookout and capture it on the ground. It is a fearless, daring, ag- 
gressive bird, and flying swiftly, rather low, either in the open or 
through woods, it makes sudden dashes at the frightened birds, which 
hurry to cover to escape its talons. One hears a commotion among 
the birds ; calls of alarm, and a dark form darts through the foliage 
in close pursuit, or, missing its aim, alights in the center of some 
thickly leaved tree, there to await in silence a fresh opportunity. 
Sometimes it may be seen soaring in narrow circles, when its dispro- 
portionately long tail forms a good field character. 

It is usually a voiceless bird except during the nesting season, when 
a too close approach to its nest causes it to utter its peculiar notes. 

" Of 159 stomachs examined, 6 contained poultry or game birds ; 
99, other birds ; G, mice ; 5, insects ; and 52 were empty " (Fisher). 

333. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). Cooper's Hawk. Ad. — Similar 
to adults of the preceding, but larger and with the crown blackish. Im. — 
Similar in color to young of A. 
velox, but larger. 6 L., 15*50; 
W.,9-50; T., 7-75; B. from N., -55. 
<? L., 19-00 ; W., 10-50 ; T., 9-00. 

Range.— Breeds from the Gulf 
of Mexico to Newfoundland, and 
winters from Massachusetts to 
Mexico. 

Washington, common P. R. 
Sing Sing, tolerably common P. E. 
Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. ; 
Sept. and Oct. ; not uncommon 
S. R. ; rare W. V. 

Nest, in trees, twenty-five to 
fifty feet from the ground. Eggs, 
three to six, pale bluish white, 
sometimes lightly spotted with 
brownish, 1-90 x P55. 

This species resembles the preceding in habits, but because of its 
larger size is more destructive to poultry. 

"Of 133 stomachs examined, 34 contained poultry or game birds; 
52, other birds; 11, mammals; 1, frog; 3, lizards; 2, insects; and 39 
were empty " (Fisher). 

334. Accipiter atricapillus ( Wils.). American Goshawk. Ad.— 
Upper parts bluish slate-color; head blackish, a white line over and behind 




Fig. 68.— Rounded tail of Cooper's Hawk. 



200 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES. ETC. 

the eye ; inner tail-feathers like the back, outer ones more fuscous, and slightly 
marked with blackish ; tip whitish ; entire under parts evenly marked with 
irregular, wavy bars of gray and white, the feathers of the throat and breast 
with darker shaft streaks. Im. — Upper parts fuscous, margined with rufous; 
primaries barred with black ; tail brownish gray, barred with black ; under 
parts white or butfy, streaked with black. $ L., 22-00; W., 13*00; T., 10*00 ; 
B. from N., -65. 9 L., 24-00; W., 13-40; T., 11-50. 

Range. — Breeds from the northern United States northward, and winters 
as far south as Virginia. 

Washington, casual in winter. Sing Sing, rare W. V., Oct. 10 to Jan. 14. 
Cambridge, irregular and uncommon W. V. 

JVest, in trees. Eggs, two to five, " white, or glaucous-white, sometimes 
very faintly marked with pale brownish, 2*31 x 1*74 " (Eidgw.). 

With the general habits of the two preceding species this larger 
bird is much bolder than either. Dr. Fisher remarks : " This species 
is one of the most daring of all the Hawks, and while in pursuit of 
its prey is apparently less concerned by the presence of man than any 
other. It will dart down unexpectedly at the very feet of the farmer 
and carry off a fowl." 

" Of 28 stomachs examined, 9 contained poultry or game birds ; 2, 
other birds ; 10, mammals ; 3, insects ; 1, centiped ; and 8 were empty " 
(Fisher). 

337* Buteo borealis ( Gmel.). Ked-tailed Hawk ; Hen Hawk ; 
Chicken Hawk. Ad. — Upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous-brown, 
more or less edged with rufous, ochraceous-bufi, and whitish ; four outer pri- 
maries " notched," the outer one not regularly barred ; wing-coverts not edged 
with rufous ; tail rich rufous, with a narrow black band near its end and a 
white tip ; upper breast heavily streaked with grayish brown and ochraceous- 
buff, lower breast lightly streaked and sometimes without streaks; uppc/ 
belly streaked, spotted, or barred with black or blackish, forming a kind of 
broken band across the belly ; lower belly generally white without streaks. 
Im. — Similar, but the tail of about the same color as the back, crossed by 
numerous more or less distinct blackish bands ; no rufous in the markings of 
the under parts. 6 L., 20-00 ; W., 15-50 ; T., 9-25 ; B. from N., -95. $ L., 23-00 : 
W., 1G-50; T., 9-75. 

Range. — Eastern North America, breeding throughout most of its range. 

Washington, common W. V., rare S. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. ; less 
common in winter. Cambridge, common W. V., Nov. to Apl. ; a few S. R. 

Nest, in trees, thirty to seventy feet from the ground. Eggs, two to four, 
dull white, generally scantily and irregularly marked with shades of cinna- 
mon-brown, 2-40 x 1-85. 

The Red-tailed Hawk resembles its near relative, the Red-shoul- 
dered Hawk, in the selection of its haunts, and, to a large extent, in 
habits. It is to be distinguished in life from that species by its larger 
size, which, even in the field, is noticeable, and by its call. The usual 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 201 

note of the Red-tail is a long-drawn "squealing" whistle, which to 
my ear suggests the sound produced by escaping steam. 

44 Of 562 stomachs examined, 54 contained poultry or game birds ; 
51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, batrachians or 
reptiles ; 47, insects ; 8, crawfish ; 1, centiped ; 13, offal ; and 89 were 
empty " (Fisher). 

337a. B. b. kriderii Hoopes. Krider's Hawk. — Similar to Buteo 
borealis, but with much more white in the plumage ; the head sometimes 
almost entirely white ; the under parts only lightly streaked, and with the 
band on the belly sometimes obsolete ; the tail in the ad. pale rufous, gen- 
erally without a terminal black band ; in the im., pale rufous, or white washed 
with rufous, and with numerous blackish bars. 6 W., 15-00; T., 9*50. 

Range. — " Great plains of the United States, from Minnesota to Texas; 
east irregularly or casually to Iowa and northern Illinois " (Bendire). 

337d. B. b. harlani {And.). Harlan's Hawk. Ad.— Upper parts 
dark sooty fuscous, the bases of the feathers more or less barred with gray- 
ish ; tail closely mottled with black, fuscous, rufous, and whitish ; under parts 
varying from white more or less spotted across the belly to sooty fuscous. 
Im. — Similar, but the tail barred with blackish, grayish, rufous, or whitish, 
tipped with white. 6 L., about 19-00; W., 15-50; T., 8*25. 9 L., about 21.00; 
W., 17-00; T., 9-25. 

Range. — " Gulf States and lower Mississippi Valley ; north (casually) to 
Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Pennsylvania; east to Georgia and Florida" (Ben- 
dire). 

I)r. William L. Ralph, in Captain Bendire's Life Histories of North 
American Birds (p. 218), reports this species as not uncommon during 
the winter in St. John's and Putnam Counties, Florida. He writes: 
" They are exactly like the Red-tailed Hawks except in color, and their 
call-note is the same, only being longer drawn out. The call of the 
latter bird, as already stated, sounds like the squealing of a pig, or 
* kee-ee-e,' and that of Harlan's Hawk like ; kee-ee-ee-e-e-ee.' ' 

The Western Kedtail (337b. B. b. calurus) has been recorded from Illi- 
nois, and one specimen of the European Buzzard (336. Buteo buteo) is said to 
have been taken in Michigan. 

339. Buteo lineatus ( Gmel.). Ked-shouldered Hawk ; Hen Hawk ; 
Chicken Hawk. Ad. — Upper parts dark grayish fuscous-brown, more or less 
edged with rufous, ochraceous - buff, and whitish ; four outer primaries 
"notched," all barred with black and white; lesser wing-coverts rufous, 
forming a conspicuous " shoulder " patch ; tail black or fuscous, with four or 
five white cross-bars and a white tip ; throat streaked with blackish ; rest of 
under parts rufous or ochraceous- buff, everywhere barred with white or 
whitish. Im.— Upper parts much as in the adult; basal part of the primaries 
mostly ochraceous -buff, fading to whitish on the inner web, with broken bars- 
of fuscous ; lesser wing-coverts conspicuously margined with rufous or rufous- 
chestnut; tail dark grayish brown, indistinctly barred with fuscous, and on 



202 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

the basal half with more or less rufous, the inner webs of the feathers with 
sometimes white bars ; under parts white or whitish, streaked or spotted with 
black or blackish, the legs sometimes barred with rufous. 6 L., 18*30; W., 
12-50; T., 8-00; B. from N., 'lb. $ L., 20-35: W., 13-50; T., 9-00. 




Fig. 69.— Four-notched primaries of Red- shouldered Hawk. (Reduced.) 

Remarks. — Adults of this species may always be known by the rich rufous 
lesser wing-coverts. Immature birds are sometimes confused with the young 
of the Red-tailed or Broad-winged Hawks. From the former they may be 
distinguished by their small size, rufous margins of the lesser wing-coverts 
ochraceous-buff markings on the primaries, and the continuously streaked 
under parts ; from the latter they differ in having four instead of three outer 
primaries "notched," in being larger, and in having ochraceous-bulf on the 
primaries. 

Mange. — Eastern North America, north to Nova- Scotia and Manitoba ; resi- 
dent nearly throughout its range. 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. B. Cambridge, com- 
mon P. R., less common in winter. 

JVest, in trees, thirty to sixty feet from the ground. JEggs, three to six, 
dull white, generally more or less sprinkled, spotted, or blotched with cinna- 
mon-brown or chocolate, 2-15 x 1-.65, 

The present species and the Red-tailed Hawk are the birds to which 
the names Chicken Hawk and Hen Hawk are most frequently misap- 
plied. Being both common species whose habits render them easily 
observed, they are often unjustly made to suffer for the sins of their 
bird-killing relatives of the genus Accipiter. 

The farmer sees a Hawk sailing in wide circles above him, uttering 
its fierce, screaming cry of Jcee-you, kee-yoa. While he is w T atching it 
a sly, low-flying Accipiter slips by him and makes a sudden dash into 
the poultry yard. The farmer does not discriminate ; a Hawk is a 
Hawk, and, shaking his fist at the bird in the air, he vows vengeance 
at the first opportunity. 

The Red-shouldered Hawk is at most times of the year a bird of 
the woods. Particularly does it like low woods watered with small 
streams from which it can obtain its favorite food of frogs. Its note 
is one of the common sounds of summer, and can be heard when the 
bird is almost lost to sight far up in the sky. It is frequently imi- 
tated by the Blue Jay. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 203 

"Of 220 stomachs examined, 3 contained poultry; 12, other birds; 
102, mice ; 40, other mammals ; 20, reptiles ; 39, batrachians ; 92, in- 
sects; 16, spiders; 7, crawfish; 1, earthworms; 2, offal; 3, fish; and 
14 were empty" (Fisher). 

339a. B. 1. alleni Ridgw. Florida Ked-siiouldered Hawk. — Adults 
of this species may easily be distinguished from those of B. lineatus by their 
smaller size, grayish white head, with black shaft streaks and no rufous, the 
smaller fuscous tips on the scapulars and interscapulars, which do not con- 
ceal the ashy gray bases of the feathers, by the whitish or grayish cheeks 
and throat, and the ochraceous-buff, indistinctly barred under parts. Im- 
mature birds are very similar to those of B. lineatus, and can be distin- 
guished only by their smaller size and darker color. $ W., 11-00 ; T., 7*50 ; 
B., 1-20. 

ita^.—Florida, north along the Atlantic coast to South Carolina, west 
along the Gulf coast to eastern Texas. 

342. Buteo swainsoni Bonap. Swainson's Hawk. Ad. $ . — Upper 
parts fuscous-brown, more or less margined with rufous or buffy ; primaries 
unbarred, three outer ones " notched"; tail slightly grayer than the back, 
with numerous indistinct, blackish bars showing more plainly on the under 
surface; breast covered by a large, cinnamon-rufous patch ; belly white or 
ochraceous-buff, streaked, spotted, or barred with blackish, rufous, or buff. 
A&, 9 , — Similar, but larger, the breast patch of the same color as the back. 
6 and 9 in dark or rnelanistic plumage. — Entire plumage fuscous, the under 
tail- and under wing-coverts and the tail sometimes spotted or barred. Im. — 
Upper parts fuseous-brown, widely margined w r ith buffy and rufous; base of 
the primaries grayish, and sometimes with a few broken bars; tail much as in 
the ad. ; under parts ochraceous-buff, spotted and streaked with blackish. $ L., 
20-00 ; W., 15-00 ; T., 8'50 ; B. from N., "75. 

Remarks. — Between the light and dark phases of coloration there is every 
degree of intergradation, but in any plumage this Hawk may be distinguished 
from our other species by having only three outer primaries notched. In this 
respect it agrees with B. latissimus, from which, however, it differs decidedly 
both in size and color. 

Range. — Western North America, eastward to the Mississippi; breeds 
from Texas to the arctic regions, and occasionally strays eastward to the At- 
lantic States. 

JVest, in trees, thirty to eighty feet from the ground. Eggs, two to three, 
varying from dull bluish white to creamy white, sometimes unmarked, but 
generally more or less spotted or blotched with shades of cinnamon-brown, 
2-30 x 1-72. 

Swainson's Hawk is of rare occurrence east of the Mississippi. Dr. 
Fisher writes : " By preference it frequents the timber in the vicinity 
of streams, though often it is found far out on the prairie, where its 
only perch is the earth mound of some mammal, or some other 
slightly elevated knoll." 



204 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 




Fig. 70. 



-Three-notched 
Hawk. 



primaries of 
(Reduced.) 



Broad- winged 



343. Buteo latissimus ( Wits.). Broad-winged Hawk. Ad.— 

Upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous, more or less margined with buffy 

and rufous; three outer primaries " notched " and without ochraceous-bulf 

markings ; tail fus- 
cous, with two bars 
and the tip grayish 
white ; under parts 
heavily barred with 
brownish ochraceous- 
buff. Im. — Upper 
parts like the pre- 
ceding ; tail grayish 

brown, with three to five indistinct black bars and a narrow whitish tip ; 

under parts white or buffy white, streaked and spotted with fuscous. 6 L., 

15-89 ; W., 10-68 ; T., 6*75 : B. from N., -70. 9 L., 16-76 ; W., 11-41 ; T., 7'09. 
Remarks. — Compared with the other members of this genus, the three 

" notched " primaries and small size are the principal characters of this 

Hawk. 

Range. — Breeds throughout eastern North America, from New Brunswick 

southward. 

Washington, not common W. V., rare S. K. Sing Sing, tolerably common 

S. K., Mch. 15 to Oct. 23. Cambridge, T. V., sometimes common in Sept. ; 

rare in spring. 

Nest, in trees, twenty-live to fifty feet from the ground. Eggs, two to four, 

dull white or buffy white spotted, blotched, or washed with ochraceous-buff 

or cinnamon-brown, 2*10 x 1*60. 

" Of all our Hawks, this species seems to be the most unsuspicious, 
often allowing a person to approach within a few yards of it, and 
when startled flies but a short distance before it alights again. Dur- 
ing the early summer the Broad-winged Hawk often may be seen sit- 
ting for hours on the dead top of some high tree. At other times it 
is found on the smaller trees in the deep woods, along streams, or on 
the ground, where its food is more often procured. Although slug- 
gish and unusually heavy in its flight, it is capable of rapid motion, 
and sometimes soars high in the air. One of its notes resembles quite 
closely that of the Wood Pewee. . . . 

"Of 65 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 15, mice; 13, 
other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batrachians; 30, insects; 2, earth- 
worms ; 4, crawfish ; and 7 were empty " (Fisher). 

344. Buteo brachyurus Vieill. Short - tailed Hawk. Ad. — 
Upper parts slaty gray or fuscous grayish brown ; forehead whitish ; tail 
barred with black and narrowly tipped with white, its under surface grayish ; 
sides of the breast with some rufous-brown markings; rest of the under parts 
pure white. Im. — Similar, but upper parts browner and margined with 
cream-buff; under parts washed with cream-buff; no rufous-brown on the 
breast. Dark phase. — Fuscous-blacky with a slight metallic luster ; forehead 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 205 

whitish ; tail lighter than back, barred with black, its under surface and the 
under surface of the primaries grayish. L., 17*00; W., 12-50; T., 7*00; Tar., 
2-35 ; B. from N., *70. 

Range. — Florida and Mexico southward through South America. 

Nest, in trees. Eggs (?), dull white, spotted at the larger end with small 
spots and blotches of reddish brown over about one fourth the surface, 2-16 x 
161 (Pennock). 

A rare resident in Florida. According to Mr. C. J. Pennock, who 
found its nest at St. Marks on April 3, its call somewhat resembles 
the scream of the Red-shouldered Hawk, but is finer and more pro- 
longed (Auk, vii; 1890, p. 56; see also Scott, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 243). 

The Mexican Goshawk (346. Asturina plagiata) is a tropical species 
which reaches the southwestern border of the United States. An individual 
seen by Mr. Robert Ridgway in southern Illinois, August 19, 1871, is the only 
known instance of its occurrence east of the Mississippi. 

347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). Ameri- 
can Rough-legged Hawk. Ad., light phase. — Upper parts fuscous-brown, 
margined with whitish and ochraceous-buff ; inner vanes of the primaries 
white at the base ; basal half of the tail white or buffy, end with two or three 
grayish or whitish bars ; under parts varying from white to ochraceous-buft, 
streaked and spotted with black, these marks uniting to form a broken band 
across the belly ; front of tarsi entirely feathered. Im., normal phase. — Simi- 
lar to the ad., but the end half of the tail without bars except for the white 
tip, the under parts more heavily marked with black, the belly band being 
broad and continuous. Black phase. — Plumage more or less entirely black, 
the primaries and tail barred with whitish and grayish. L., 22-00 ; W., 16'00 ; 
T., 9-50. 

Remarks— Its feathered tarsi and heavily marked under parts characterize 
this species. 

Range. — North America, breeding north of the United States and winter- 
ing as far south as Virginia. 

Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A. V. Cambridge, not 
uncommon T. V., Nov. ; Mch. ; a few winter. 

Nest, on rocky ledges or in trees. Eggs, two to five, dull white, sometimes 
unmarked, but generally more or less spotted, blotched, or scrawled with cin- 
namon-brown or chocolate, 2*20 x 1*75. 

" The Rough-leg is one of the most nocturnal of our Hawks, and 
may be seen in the fading twilight watching from some low perch or 
beating with measured, noiseless flight over its hunting ground. It 
follows two very different methods in securing its food— one by sitting 
on some stub or low tree and watching the ground for the appearance 
of its prey, as the Red-tail does ; the other by beating back and forth 
just above the tops of the grass or bushes and dropping upon its vic- 
tim, after the manner of the Marsh Hawk. . . . 

M The flight of the Rough-leg is seldom rapid and often appears 



206 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 



labored, and when on the wing this Hawk resembles the Osprey more 
than any other bird of prey. . . . 

" Of 49 stomachs examined, 40 contained mice ; 5, other mammals ; 
1, lizards; 1, insects; and 4 were empty" (Fisher). 

348. Archibuteo ferrugineus (Licht.). Ferruginous Rough-leg. 
Ad., light phase. — Upper parts mostly rufous, the centers of the feathers fus^ 
cous ; tail grayish white, margined with rufous ; legs rufous, barred with black •, 
rest of under parts white, more or less barred with rufous on the sides and 
belly; tarsi fully feathered in front. Ini. — Upper parts dark grayish brown, 
slightly varied with ochraceous-buff ; tail silvery grayish brown, without bars, 
the base white ; under parts white, lightly spotted and streaked with fuscous. 
Dark phase. — Dark fuscous-brown, more or less varied with rufous ; prima- 
ries and tail as in the ad. L., 23-00; W., 17*00; T., 10-50. 

Remarks. — This species is to be distinguished from the preceding prin- 
cipally by its much larger bill and differently colored tail and under parts. 

Range. — " Western United States; east to and across the great plains (oc- 
casionally to Illinois) ; north to the Saskatchewan ; south into Mexico " (Ben- 
dire). 

Nest, in trees or on the ground in rocky places. Eggs, two to four, " white, 
or buff'y white, usually more or less spotted, blotched, or clouded with brown 
or grayish purple (or both), 2*42 x 1*88" (Eidgw.). 

This bird is rarely found east of the Mississippi. Dr. Fisher re- 
marks: "The Squirrel Hawk is pre-eminently a bird of the prairie, 

and, unlike the common Rough-leg, 
shows little partiality to the vicinity 
of water, though in other respects it 
closely resembles the latter bird in 
habits." 



349. Aquilachrysaetos(Z/ww .,). 

Golden Eagle. Ad. — Back of the head 
and nape pale, buffy ochraceous; basal 
two thirds of the tail white ; tarsus white, 
entirely feathered ; rest of the plumage 
fuscous - brown ; quills fuscous. Im. — 
Similar, but base of the tail with broken 
grayish bars ; tarsus and under tail- 
coverts ochraceous-buff. $ L., 30*00- 
35-00; Ex., 78-00-84-00; W., 23-00-24-70; T., 
14-00-15-00; Tar., 3-65-3-80. 9 L., 35-00- 
40-00; Ex., 84-00-00-00; W., 25-00-27*00; 
T., 15-00-10-00; Tar., 4-15-4-25 (Kidgw.). 

Range. — North America ; of rare occurrence east of the Mississippi. 

Washington, rare W. V. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, on cliffs or rocky ledges. Eggs, two to three, dull white, obscurely 
or distinctly blotched or speckled with shades of cinnamon-brown, 2-93 x 2*34. 




Foot of Golden Eagle. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 



207 



" It seems to be nowhere a common species in the east, but it is 
much more numerous in the mountainous parts of the far west. It is 
confined chiefly to the mountains and more northern latitudes, where 
it breeds. It is able to endure intense cold, and sometimes remains 
far north in winter. In fact, its movements at that season are more 
in the form of wandering for food than regular migration to the south. 

" The food consists mainly of mammals and birds, of which sper- 
mophiles, rabbits, fawns, lambs, turkeys, grouse, waterfowl, and other 
large birds form the principal part, though offal and carrion are some- 
times taken. ... Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained feathers ; 2, 
mammals ; 2, carrion ; and 1 was empty " (Fisher). 

351. Haliseetus albicilla (Linn.). Gray Sea Eagle. Ad.— Tail 
white, rest of plumage varying from grayish brown to fuscous. Ivi. — u With 
plumage largely light cinnamon-brown or isabella-color. 6 L., 31-00-34-00 ; 
W., 23-00-26-00; T., 11-50-12-00 " (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Northern parts of the Old World; Greenland. 
yest, on cliffs or in trees. Eggs, two to three, dull white, " occasionally 
with small, faint spots of light brown" (Davie), 3*00 x 2-35. 

This is a common species in Greenland. 

352. Haliseetus leucocephalus {Linn.). Bald Eagle. Ad. — 
Head, neck, and tail white, rest of the plumage fuscous; bill yellow; tarsus 
not fully feathered. Im. — Fuscous, more 

or less varied with white ; tail fuscous, 
more or less mottled with white, particu- 
larly on the inner vanes of the feathers; 
bill black. 6 L., 32-85 ; Ex., 84-10 ; W., 
22-00; T., 11-90; B., 2-48. 9 L., 35-50; 
Ex., 89-00 ; W., 24-00 ; T., 12-25 ; Weight, 
12 lbs. 

Range. — North America, breeding 
throughout its range. 

Washington, not common P. E. Sing 
Sing, common P. K. Cambridge, of ir- 
regular occurrence at all seasons. 

Nest, generally in tall trees. Eggs, 
two to three, dull white, 2-85 x 2-20. 

Bald Eagles are seldom found 
far from the water. Here they may 
be seen soaring overhead, winging 
their way to and from their feeding 
ground, or occupying some favorite 
perch, generally in an exposed posi- 
tion. They subsist principally upon fish. As a last resort they some- 
times capture these themselves, but dead fish cast up on the shore 




Foot of Bald Eagle. 



208 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

are eagerly taken, and their habit of robbing the Fish Hawk of his 
well-earned booty is too well known to be commented upon. In some 
localities, particularly in the south during the winter, they live largely 
upon water-fowl which they capture themselves. 

The voice of the Bald Eagle has a weird, human quality. Dr. 
Fisher says : " At a distance the note of the Bald Eagle is not alto- 
gether unpleasant, resembling somewhat that of Sea Gulls, but near 
by it is grating and suggests a maniacal laugh." Dr. William L. Ralph 
writes in Captain Bendire's Life Histories of North American Birds, 
p. 277 : " The cry of the male is a loud and clear cac-cac~cac, quite dif- 
ferent from that of the female — so much so that I could always recog- 
nize the sex of the bird by it ; the call of the latter is more harsh and 
often broken." 

The conspicuous white head and tail of adults of this species render 
it easy of identification even at a considerable distance. Young birds 
too closely resemble Golden Eagles to be distinguished with certainty, 
but the rarity of that species in the east makes it probable that any 
Eagle observed is a Bald Eagle. 

353. Falco islandus Brunn. White Gyrfalcon. Ad. — Head white, 

finely streaked with black ; scapulars, interscapulars, and wing-coverts brown- 
ish gray, widely margined with white; tail white, the central feathers with 
sometimes broken bars; under parts white, lightly streaked with grayish 
brown; under tail-coverts white. Im. — Similar, but upper parts with nar- 
rower white margins ; tail barred with brownish gray, under parts heavily 
streaked with the same color. L., 22-00 ; W., 16 00 ; T., 10-00 ; B. from N., *95. 

Range. Arctic regions ; casually south in winter to Maine. 

Nest, on rocky cliffs. Eggs, three to four, varying from creamy white, 
spotted or blotched with cinnamon-brown, to uniform pale reddish brown, 
spotted or blotched with shades of the same color, 2-30 * 1-85. 

"The food consists of water-fowl and other birds— largely of vari- 
ous arctic species of Grouse which are captured on the wing. All 
these northern Falcons were formerly esteemed for hawking, as they 
still are by the Mongol races ; their style of flight is magnificent— much 
swifter than that of the Peregrine — and both are deadly ' footers ' 
(i. e., tenacious of grip), but they lack spirit and dash " (Saunders) 

354. Falco rusticolus Linn. Gray Gyrfalcon. Ad. — Upper parts 
grayish fuscous, barred and margined with buffy white; tail with numerous 
bars of the same colors; under parts white, streaked and spotted with black- 
ish; legs and under tail-coverts barred with brownish gray. L., 20*00 ; W., 
15-50; T., 9-50; B. from N., -90. 

Range. — Arctic regions; in America, south in winter to the northern 
United States. 

Nest, on cliffs or in trees. Eggs, three to four, not distinguishable from 
those of the preceding, 2*37 x 1'72. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 209 

354a. F. r. gyrfalco (Linn.). Gyrfalcon — Head streaked with 
butty white and fuscous or black ; back varying from brownish gray to slaty 
fuscous, without complete bars and sometimes entirely unbarred; tail of the 
same color as the back, with indistinct or incomplete lighter bars; under 
parts heavily streaked with whitish and fuscous. 

Range. — u Northern Europe and arctic America, from northern Labrador 
and coasts of Hudson Bay to Alaska"; casually south in winter to R. I. 

354b. F. r. obsoletus (Gmel.). Black Gyrfalcon. — Upper parts 
uniform slaty fuscous, without bars; tail the same, without or wath only 
broken bars ; under parts of the same color as the back ; the feathers with 
partly concealed bult'y spots. 

Range. — Labrador ; southward in winter, casually to Long Island. 

Remarks. — Gyrfalcons are so rare in collections that the descriptions here 
given can not be considered as applying to the species as a whole, but rather 
to the individuals from which the descriptions were taken. F. islandus is the 
lightest colored, and F. r. obsoletus is the darkest of our supposed four forms, 
while the others are intermediate between these two. 

355. Falco mexicanus Schleg. Prairie Falcon. Ad. — Above, 
grayish brown; primaries and inner webs of all but the middle tail-feathers 
with numerous buffy bars or spots ; below, white, streaked and spotted with 
dark grayish brown. Im. — Similar, but with the upper parts margined with 
ochraceous-buff or buffy. 6 L., 17'00 ; W., 12-20 ; T., 7*00. 

Range. — Western United States, eastward casually to Illinois. 

Nest, on cliffs, sometimes in hollow trees. Eggs, two to five, "creamy 
white, vinaceous-white, or pale vinaceous- buffy, sprinkled, speckled, or 
irregularly spotted with madder-brown, 2-06 x 1-60" (Bidgw.). 

" The Prairie Falcon, as the name implies, is a typical plains bird, 
and inhabits the dry interior. . . . 

" The flight of this Hawk is swift and graceful, though in most 
cases it is carried on at no great distance from the ground. It is not 
a shy bird, except in sections where it has been persecuted and has 
learned that man is its worst enemy " (Fisher). 

356. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). Duck Hawk. Ad.— 
Upper parts dark bluish slate-color; primaries barred with ochraceous; tail 
indistinctly barred with blackish and tipped with white ; under parts cream- 
buff", barred and spotted with black, except on the breast. Im. — Upper parts 
fuscous, more or less margined with ochraceous or rufous; region below the 
eye black ; ear-coverts buffy ; wings as in the ad. ; upper surface of the tail 
barred with grayish, under surface barred with ochraceous-buff; under parts 
cream-buff or ochraceous-buff, streaked, spotted, or barred with black. 6 L., 
16-00; W., 12-25; T., 6*50; B. from N., -68. 9 L., 19-00; W., 14-00; T., 7'50. 

Range. — North America and the greater part of South America, breeding 
locally from our Southern States northward. 

Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge, 
rare T. V., casual in winter. 
15 



210 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

Nest, on rocky cliffs and in the hollow limbs of tall trees. Eggs, three to 
four, varying from creamy white, heavily marked with cinnamon-brown, to 
pale reddish brown, more or less marked with shades of the same color, 
2-05 x 1M>8. 

This species is the "Noble Peregrine" of falconry. It would be 
difficult to imagine a bird more highly endowed with qualities which 
make the ideal bird of prey. Its strength of wing and talon is 
equaled by its courage. No bird flies more swiftly than the Duck 
Hawk. Even Teal — those winged bullets — can not escape it. No 
bird is more daring. I have had Duck Hawks dart down to rob me 
of wounded Snipe lying almost at my feet, nor did my ineffective 
shots prevent them from returning. 

Duck Hawks are generally found near water, where they prey 
largely on water birds. 

" Of 20 stomachs examined, 7 contained poultry or game birds ; 9, 
other birds ; 1, mice ; 2, insects ; and 4 were empty " (Fisher). 

357* Falco columbarius Linn. Pigeon Hawk. Ad.— Upper parts 
slaty blue, a broken butty or rusty collar on the neck ; primaries barred with 
white ; tail with three or four distinct grayish white bars and a white tip ; 
under parts varying from cream-buff to deep ochraceous, streaked with black- 
ish, except on the throat. Im. — Upper parts fuscous or brownish fuscous, a 
broken buffy collar on the nape ; primaries barred with ochraceous ; tail with 
three or four incomplete buffy bars and a whitish tip ; under parts much as 
in the ad. L., 10-00-13-00 ; W., 8-00 ; T., 5-50 ; B. from N., -45. 

Remarks. — This little Falcon bears some resemblance to a Duck Hawk, 
but is much smaller. 

Range. — Breeds from the northern United States northward ; winters from 
the Southern States southward to South America. 

Washington, not uncommon T. V. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., 
Apl. 1 to May 11 ; Aug. 10 to Oct. 15. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. 10 to 
May 5 ; Sept. and Oct. ; occasional in winter. 

Nest, in trees, in hollow limbs, or on cliffs. Eggs, four to five, varying 
from creamy white, more or less heavily marked with reddish brown or choco- 
late, to reddish brown marked with shades of the same color, 1*65 x 1*20. 

" This Falcon, with the exception possibly of the Broad-winged 
Hawk, is the least shy of all our diurnal birds of prey, and often 
may be approached within a few rods. It frequents the more open 
country and edges of woods, and is common along the shores of large 
bodies of water. . . . 

" The flight is very rapid and resembles that of the Wild Pigeon 
quite closely; nor does the similarity end here, for while sitting on a 
tree the general poise is that of a Pigeon in repose, and specimens 
have been mistaken and shot for the latter bird. . . . 




Sparrow Hawk and young. 



FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 211 

"Of 56 stomachs examined, 2 contained poultry; 41, small birds; 
2, mice ; 16, insects ; and 5 were empty " (Fisher). 

The Merlin (358.1. Falco regulus) and the Kestrel (359.1. Falco tinnun- 
culus), both Old- World species, have each been recorded once from this side 
of the Atlantic, the Merlin from Greenland, the Kestrel from Massachusetts 
(Cory, Auk, v, 1888, pp. 110, 205). 

360. Falco sparverius Linn. American Sparrow Hawk. Ad. $. 
— Back rufous, more or less barred with black ; tail rufous, a black band near 
its end, the tip white ; head slaty blue, with generally a rufous spot on the 
crown; wing-coverts slaty blue, primaries barred with white; a black mark 
before and behind the white ear-coverts ; under parts varying from cream- 
buff to oehraceous-buff; belly and sides spotted with black. Ad. 9. — Back, 
tail, and wing-coverts rufous, barred with black ; head as in the male ; under 
parts more or less heavily streaked with dark ochraceous-butf. Im. — Closely 
resemble the adults. L., 10-00 ; W., 7'30 ; T., 4*80 ; B. from N., -45. 

Range. — Breeds from Florida to Hudson Bay, and winters from New Jer- 
sey southward. 

Washington, common W. V., rare S. R. Sing Sing, rather rare P. K. 
Cambridge, rather common S. R., Feb. to Nov. 

JVest, in a hole in a tree, frequently in a Woodpecker's deserted nest. 
Eggs, three to seven, varying from creamy white to rufous, generally finely 
and evenly marked with shades of the ground color, 1'40 x 1*12. 

An old stub or branchless trunk of a dead tree standing well out 
in a field is the kind of perch the Sparrow Hawk most frequently 
chooses. From this lookout,, like a Loggerhead Shrike, he awaits the 
appearance of game below. Generally it is a grasshopper which falls 
his victim. When he detects one, he flies directly over it and poises 
on hovering wings until the right opportunity offers, when he drops 
lightly downward, clutches his prey in his talons, and then returns to 
his perch to devour it at leisure. 

The Sparrow Hawk's call is a rather high, quickly repeated killy- 
k illy -killy -killy, which in some sections gives it the name of " Killy 
Hawk." 

" Of 320 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird ; 53, other 
birds; 89, mice: 12, other mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 215, 
insects ; 29, spiders ; and 29 were empty " (Fisher). 

The Cuban Sparrow Hawk (361. Falco sparverioides) is of accidental oc- 
currence in the Florida Keys. It has two color phases ; in one, the under 
parts, including the under wing-coverts, are white ; in the other, these parts 
are rufous. 

362. Polyborus cheriway (Jacg.). Audubon's Caracara. Ad.-— 
Face bare; crown, lower back, wings, and belly black; throat buffy ; nape, 
interscapulars, and breast barred with black and buffy ; tail white, barred 



212 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 

and tipped with black. Im. — Similar, but browner, and with few or no bars 
on the interscapulars and breast. L., 22-00 ; W., 16*00 ; B, from N., 1-25. 

Range. — Southern Florida and Mexican border of the United States south 
to the Amazon. 

JYest, in a cabbage palmetto or on the tops of dense bushes. Eggs, two to 
three, varying from cream-buff to rufous, heavily marked with shades of red- 
dish brown and chocolate, 2-35 x l'bo. 

Caracaras frequently associate with Vultures and feed on carrion, 
but they also capture their own food. This consists largely of frogs, 
lizards, and small snakes, which the birds find while walking about 
on the ground in search of them. Their flight is strong, rapid, and 
direct, and bears no resemblance to that of a Vulture's. 

364. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmel.). American Os- 

prey; Fish Hawk. Ad. $ . — Upper parts fuscous, the head and nape varied 
with white ; tail with six to eight obscure bands, more distinct on the inner 
web ; under parts white, breast sometimes slightly spotted with grayish brown. 
Ad. 9 • — Similar, but the breast always spotted with grayish brown. L., 23*10 ; 
W., 18-25; T., 8-40. 

Range. — North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador: winters from 
South Carolina to northern South America. 

Washington, uncommon S. K., Mch. 25 to Oct. Sing Sing, common T. V., 
rare S. K., Apl. 3 to May 26 ; Sept. 29 to Oct. 20. Cambridge, common T. V., 
Apl. ; Sept. 

Nest, generally in a tree, thirty to fifty feet from the ground, rarely on 
the ground. Eggs, two to four, extremely variable, sometimes dull white, un- 
marked, sometimes almost solid chocolate, but generally buffy white, heavily 
marked with chocolate, chieiiy at the larger end, 2-45 x 1-80. 

This species lives in colonies, and also in pairs, along our coasts, re- 
turning year after year to the same nesting ground. Its food consists 
solely of fish, which as a rule it captures alive. Winging its way 
slowly over the water, it keeps a keen watch for fish which may appear 
near the surface. When one is observed it pauses, hovers a moment, 
and then closing its wings descends with a speed and directness of 
aim that generally insure success. It strikes the water with great 
force, making a loud splash, and frequently disappears for a moment 
before rising with its prey grasped in its powerful talons. As a rule, 
it carries its food to some favorite perch, there to devour it. It is said 
that Fish Hawks have been known to strike fish so large that, unable 
to release their hold, they were drawn under water and drowned. 

When protected, Fish Hawks, like many other birds, to a large de- 
gree lose their fear of man. In The Auk, for October, 1802, will be 
found a valuable article by Dr. C. S. Allen, on the habits of this species 
as observed by him on Plum Island, N. Y., where for forty years the 
birds had been protected by the owner of the island. 



OWLS. 213 

The note of the Fish Hawk is a high, rapidly repeated, plaintive 
whistle. 

Family Strigid^e. Barn Owls. 

The Barn Owls, numbering some eight or ten species, are found 
nearly throughout the temperate and tropical regions. They differ 
from other Owls in structure, but share with them the characteristic 
habits of the suborder Striges. 

365. Strix pratincola Bonap. American Barn Owl; Monkey- 
faced Owl. (See Fig. 30.) Ad. — Upper parts mixed gray and ochraceous- 
buff, linely speckled with black and white ; tail varying from white to ochra- 
ceous-butf, generally mottled with black, and sometimes with three or four 
narrow black bars ; under parts and facial disk varying from pure white to 
deep ochraceous-bulf, the former generally with numerous small, black, round 
spots, the facial disk narrowly margined by ochraceous-buff or rufous; eyes 
black. L., 18-00; W., 13-25; T., 5-50; B., 1-30. 

Range. — North America ; occasionally found as far north as Massachu- 
setts, and breeds from Long Island southward through Mexico. 

"Washington, not rare P. R. Sing Sing, A. V. 

Nest, in a tower or steeple, a hole in a tree or bank. Eggs, live to nine, 
1-72 x 1-30. 

The Barn Owl conceals itself so well during the day that, in my 
experience, it is a difficult bird to observe, even in localities where it is 
common. For this reason the capture of one of these odd-visaged 
birds is frequently the cause of much excitement over the supposed 
discovery of an animal entirely new to science, and which, by the local 
press, is generally considered half bird, half monkey ! 

The only notes I have ever heard from the Barn Owl are a sudden 
wild, startling scream, a high, rapidly repeated cr-r-ree, cr-r-ree, 
cr-r-ree, and, in captive birds, a hissing sound ; but Captain Bendire 
mentions " a feeble, querulous note like qudek-qudek, or dek-delc, 
sounding somewhat like the call of the Night Hawk (Chordeiles vir- 
ginianus), frequently repeated, only not so loud." 

" Of 29 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry ; 3, other birds ; 
17, mice; 17, other mammals; 4, insects; and 7 were empty" (Fisher). 



Family Bubonid^e. Horned Owls, Hoot Owls, etc. 

Owls are found in all parts of the world. About two hundred spe- 
cies are known, of which some twenty inhabit North America. With 
few exceptions Owls are woodland birds, but some species live in 
grassy marshes or dry plains, while others make their home in towers, 
steeples, or outbuildings. Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, and for 



214 OWLS. 

this reason feed more largely on small mammals — most of which are 
nocturnal — than the diurnal birds of prey. They are therefore of 
even greater value to the agriculturist than Hawks. 

Their prey is captured with their talons, and, unless too large, is 
swallowed entire. The bones and hair are afterward ejected at the 
mouth in matted pellets. 

Owls' eyes are so fixed in their sockets that they can not look from 
one point to another by simply " rolling" the eyeball, but are obliged 
to turn their head. The weird, almost human, voices of Owls add not 
a little to the superstitious fear with which they are frequently re- 
garded. The eggs of Owls are uniformly white, unmarked. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 10*00. 

A. Belly without bars, striped longitudinally. 

a. Upper parts with cross-bars. 

a 1 . Toes feathered 368. Barred Owl. 

a' 2 . Toes bare 368a. Florida Barred Owl. 

b. Upper parts striped longitudinally .... 367. Short-eared Owl. 

B. Belly with cross-bars. 

a. With conspicuous horns or ears. 

a 1 . Wing over 13*00 375. Great Horned Owl and races. 

a*. Wing under 13-00 366. Am. Long-eared Owl. 

b. Without horns or ears. 

b l . Plumage white, more or less barred with black. 376. Snowy Owl. 
£ 2 . Plumage fuscous, mottled and barred with whitish. 

370. Great Gray Owl. 
II. Wing under 10*00. 

A. Toes heavily feathered. 

a. Wing more than 6*00. 

a 1 . Tail more than 6*00 377«. Am. Hawk Owl. 

a 2 . Tail less than 6*00 371. Kichardson's Owl. 

b. Wing less than 6*00 372. Saw-whet Owl. 

B. Toes thinly, if at all, feathered. 

a. Tarsi heavily feathered ; with conspicuous horns. 

373. Screech Owl. 373«. Florida Screech Owl 

b. Tarsi partly bare ; no horns . . . 378a. Florida Burrowing Owl. 

366. Asio wilsonianus (Less.). American Long-eared Owl. Ad. 
—Ear-tufts conspicuous, an inch or more in length, black bordered by white 
and buffy ; upper parts fuscous-brown mottled with white, the bases of the 
feathers ochraceous-buff; tail with six to eight fuscous cross-bars: facial disk 
buffy bordered by black ; under parts mixed white and ochraceous-buff, the 
breast broadly streaked, the sides and belly irregularly barred with fuscous; 
eyes yellow. L., 14-80; W., 11-90; T., 6*00; B., 1-06. 

Range. — North America ; breeds from Nova Scotia and Manitoba south- 
ward to the Gulf States. 



OWLS. 215 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, not 
common P. R. 

Nest, generally in an old Crow's, Hawk's, or Squirrel's nest. Eggs, three 
150 six, 1-65 x 1-30. 

" This species, like the Screech Owl, is nocturnal in its habits, and 
differs from the Short-eared Owl in never hunting during the day- 
time. It usually spends the day in some evergreen woods, thick wil- 
low copse, or alder swamp, although rarely it may be found in open 
places. . . . 

" The bird is not wild, and will allow itself to be closely approached. 
When conscious that its presence is recognized, it sits upright, draws 
the feathers close to the body, and erects the ear-tufts, resembling in 
appearance a piece of weather-beaten bark more than a bird. . . . 

" Like the other Owls, its flight is slow and wavering, but in com- 
mon with them it is buoyant and devoid of any appearance of heavi- 
ness. The note of this Owl is said by some to resemble the noise made 
by kittens, while others state it is like the barking of small dogs. 

" Of 107 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird ; 15, other 
birds ; 84, mice ; 5, other mammals ; 1, insects ; and 15 were empty " 
(Fisher). 

367. Asio accipitrinus {Pall.). Short-eared Owl. Ad.— Ear-tufts 
very short, difficult to distinguish in a dried skin ; upper parts fuscous, the 
feathers margined with cream-buff or ochraceous-buff, not mottled with white ; 
tail with ochraceous-buff and fuscous bands of about equal width ; under 
parts varying from whitish to ochraceous-buff, the breast broadly and the 
belly more finely streaked with fuscous: eyes yellow. L., 15-50; W., 12*75 ; 
T., 6-05; B., 1-20. 

Range. — Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the United States locally from 
Virginia northward. 

Washington, common W. V. Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge, uncommon 
T. V., Apl. ; Oct. and Nov. 

Nest, on the ground, in grassy marshes. Eggs, four to seven, 1*60 x 1*25. 

This species might well be named Marsh Owl, for, unlike most of 
our Owls, it does not frequent the woods, but lives in grassy marshes. 
It is not shy and does not take wing until almost stepped upon, when 
it arises noiselessly and flies low over the marsh. Sometimes it alights 
on a knoll or slight elevation and watches the intruder in the intent, 
half-human manner of Owls. 

During the migrations and in the winter this bird is occasionally 
found in flocks or colonies containing one or two hundred individuals. 

"Of 101 stomachs examined, 11 contained small birds; 77, mice; 
7, other mammals; 7, insects; and 14 were empty" (Fisher). 

368. Syrnium nebulosum {F< >> •st. ». Barred Owl; Hoot Owl. (See 
Fig. 31.) Ad.— No ear-tufts; upper parts grayish brown, each feather with 



216 OWLS. 

two or three white or buff'y white bars; tail with six to eight similar bars; 
facial disk gray, finely barred or mottled with fuscous ; under parts white, 
more or less tinged with butty, the breast barred, the sides and belly broadly 
streaked with fuscous; bill yellow; legs and feet feathered to or near the bases 
of the nails ; eyes brownish black. L., 2000 ; W., 13*50 ; T., 9-50 ; B., 1*50. 

Range. — Eastern North America, northward to Nova Scotia and Manitoba ; 
resident, except at the northern limit of its range. 

Washington, not common P. K. Sing Sing, rare P. E. Cambridge, rare 
P. R., sometimes common in Nov. and Dec. 

Nest, in a hollow tree ; sometimes in an old Crow's or Hawk's nest. Eggs, 
two to four, 2*00 x 1-65. 

The deep-toned, questioning voice, the absence of "horns," and the 
dark-brown, nearly black eyes, combine to make Barred Owls appear 
among the most human of these strangely human birds. They inhabit 
large tracts of woodland, and are generally resident in certain localities. 
Their notes are uttered more or less throughout the year, but are more 
frequently heard during the nesting reason. As a rule they call only, 
during the first part of the night and again before sunrise, but on 
moonlight nights they call throughout the night, and occasionally 
they may be heard during the day. They readily respond to an imi- 
tation of their cries, and even at midday I have drawn them from 
their nesting place to meet a supposed intruder on their domain. Un- 
der favorable circumstances they may be heard at a distance of at 
least half a mile. 

Their usual call is a sonorous whod-ivhoo-whoo, who-whoo, to-whob- 
ah. This is varied, both as to relative position and length of the 
syllables, by the same individuals, and is apparently the cry of ques- 
tion and response. When two birds, perhaps rival males, come to- 
gether, there ensues a striking medley of ivha-whas mingled with roll- 
ing whoo-dhs, the whole reminding one of deep-voiced, mirthless 
laughter. Sometimes two birds give a concerted performance. One 
utters about ten rapid hoots, while the other, in a slightly higher tone, 
hoots half as fast, both performers ending together with a whoo-ah. 
At times they utter a single, prolonged whoo-ah, and more rarely a 
weird, gasping shriek emphasized at its conclusion like a cry of dis- 
tress. 

"Of 109 stomachs examined, 5 contained poultry or game; 13, 
other birds; 46, mice; 18, other mammals; 4, frogs; 1, a lizard; 2, 
fish; 14, insects; 2, spiders; 9, crawfish; and 20 were empty" 
(Fisher). 

368a. S. n. alleni Ridgw. Florida Barred Owl.— Similar to the 
preceding, but averaging somewhat darker, and with the toes nearly naked. 
W., 12-50; T., 8-50. 

Range. — Florida, and region of the Gulf coast to Texas. 



OWLS. 217 

370. Scotiaptex cinereum ( Gmel.). Great Gray Owl. Ad. — No 
ear-tuf'ts, size very Large ; upper parts fuscous, everywhere mottled witli white, 
and with little or no bulfy ; facial disk gray, barred with black ; under parts 
white, the breast broadly streaked, the belly and sides irregularly barred 
and streaked with fuscous; legs and feet heavily feathered; bill and eyes 
yellow. L., 27 '00; W., 17-50; T., 12-00. 

Range. — Breeds from Hudson Bay northward, and wanders southward in 
winter to the northern border of the United States. 
Cambridge, very rare and irregular W. V. 
Nest, in coniferous trees. Eggs, two to four, 2-1 G x T71. 

" Dr. Dall considers it a stupid bird, and states that sometimes it 
may be caught in the hands. Its great predilection for thick woods, 
in which it dwells doubtless to the very limit of trees, prevents it from 
being an inhabitant of the barren grounds or other open country in 
the north. . . . 

" The note of this Owl is said to be a tremulous, vibrating sound, 
somewhat resembling that of the Screech Owl. . . . 

" Of 9 stomachs examined, 1 contained a small bird ; 7, mice ; and 
4 other mammals " (Fisher). 

371. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni (Bonap.). Kichardson's 
Owl. A d— Upper parts grayish brown and the head and back spotted with 
white ; tail with four or five imperfect white bars ; under parts white, heavily 
streaked with grayish brown ; legs and feet heavily feathered, whitish, barred 
with grayish brown ; eyes yellow. Im. — Upper parts dark cinnamon- brown, 
with a few more or less concealed white spots; tail as in the ad.; breast 
like the back ; belly ochraceous-buff. L., 10-00 ; W., 6-75 ; T., 4-40. 

Range. — Northern North America; south in winter to the northern United 
States. 

Xest, in holes in trees or in old nests of other birds (?). Eggs, three to 
seven, 1-35 x 1*14. 

" Richardson's Owl is nocturnal in its habits, remaining quiet dur- 
ing the day in the thick foliage of the trees or bushes. In fact, its 
vision is apparently so affected by bright light that many specimens 
have been captured alive by persons walking up and taking them in 
their hands. On this account the Eskimo in Alaska have given it the 
name of ' blind one.' 

k ' The song of this Owl, according to Dr. Merriam (Bull. Nuttall 
Ornith. Club, vol. vii, 1882, p. 237), is a low, liquid note that resem- 
bles the sound produced by water slowlv dropping from a height " 
(Fisher). 

372. Nyctala acadica (Gmel.) Saw-whet Owl; Acadian Owl. 
A /.—Upper parts dark cinnamon-brown, the head finely streaked, the back 
spotted with white ; tail with three or four imperfect white bars; under parts 
white, heavily streaked with cinnamon-brown or dark rufous ; legs and feet 



218 OWLS. 

feathered, buffy white, unbarred ; eyes yellow. Im. — Upper parts as in the 
ad., but head and back with little or no white ; breast like the back ; belly 
ochraceous-butf. L., 8-00 ; W., 5-40 ; T., 2-80 ; B., -60. 

Remarks. — Its small size and absence of ears at once distinguish this 
species from any Owl of eastern North America except N. t. richardsoni, from 
which it may be known by its lighter color, streaked instead of spotted head, 
and unbarred legs and feet. 

Range. — North America; breeds from northern New York northward, and 
migrates southward in winter as far as Virginia. 

Washington, rare W. V., Oct. to Mch. Sing Sing, rather rare W. V., Oct. 
28 to Jan. 13. Cambridge, not uncommon VV. V., Nov. to Mch. 

Nest, in a hole in a tree ; frequently a Woodpecker's, sometimes a Squir- 
rel's deserted nest. Eggs, three to five, 1-19 x 1-00. 

" The species is not migratory, but is more or less of an irregular 
wanderer in its search for food during the fall and winter. It may 
be quite common in a locality and then not be seen again for several 
years. It is nocturnal, seldom moving about in the daytime, but pass- 
ing the time in sleeping in some dark retreat. So soundly does it sleep 
that oftentimes it may be captured alive. . . . 

" During the day it frequents the thick evergreen woods, though 
sometimes it is found in comparatively open groves, but always in 
dense trees. ... 

" The note of this species is peculiar and has a rasping character, 
resembling the sound made when a large-toothed saw is being filed ; 
hence the name. It is more often heard during March and early April, 
though occasionally it is heard at other times of the year. 

" The flight resembles that of the Woodcock very closely — so much 
so, in fact, that the writer once killed a specimen as it was flying over 
the alders, and not until the dog pointed the dead bird was he aware 
of his mistake. . . . 

"Of 22 stomachs examined, 17 contained mice; 1, a bird; 1, an 
insect ; and 3 were empty " (Fisher). 

373. Megascops asio (Linn.). Screech Owl. Ad., rufous phase. — 
Size small ; ear-tufts conspicuous, about an inch in length ; upper parts bright 
rufous, finely streaked with black ; under parts white, the feathers centrally 
streaked with black and irregularly barred with rufous ; toes rather scantily 
feathered ; eyes yellow. Gray phase. — Upper parts generally brownish gray, 
streaked with black and finely mottled with ochraceous-buff ; under parts 
white, finely streaked and more finely and irregularly barred with black, 
more or less bordered by rufous. Young. — Entire plumage regularly barred 
with grayish or rufous and white. L., 9*40: W., 6*40 ; T., 3*09 ; B., -63. 

Remarks. — This bird may be known by its small size and ear-tufts. Its 
color phases are not dependent upon age, sex, or season, and both phases are 
sometimes represented in the same brood. Between the two there is a com- 
plete intcrgradation. 



OWLS. 219 

Range.— Eastern North America, northward to New Brunswick and Min- 
nesota; generally resident throughout its range. 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com- 
mon P. R. 

Nest, generally in a hollow tree. Eggs, four to six, 1*55 x 1-22. 

The Screech Owl frequently makes its home near our dwellings,' 
and sometimes selects a convenient nook in them in which to lay its 
eggs. But its favorite retreat is an old apple orchard, where the hollow 
limbs offer it a secure refuge from the mobs of small birds which are 
ever ready to attack it. A search in the trees of an orchard of this kind 
rarely fails to result in the discovery of one or more of these feathered 
inhabitants who may have resided there for years. They attempt to 
escape capture by a show of resistance and a castanetlike cracking of 
the bill, but when brought from their hiding place sit quietly, dazzled 
for a moment by the sudden light. They then elongate themselves 
and almost close their eyes, thus rendering themselves as inconspicuous 
as possible. How differently they appear when the western sky fades 
and their day begins ! Is any bird more thoroughly awake than a 
hungry Screech Owl! With ear-tufts erected and his great, round eyes 
opened to the utmost, he is the picture of alertness. 

When night comes one may hear the Screech Owl's tremulous, 
wailing whistle. It is a weird, melancholy call, welcomed only by 
those who love Nature's voice whatever be the medium through which 
she speaks. 

'•Of 255 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 38, other birds; 
91, mice; 11, other mammals ; 2, lizards: 4, batrachians ; 1, fish ; 100, 
insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 2, scorpions; 2, 
earthworms ; and 43 were empty " (Fisher). 

373a. M. a. floridanus {Ridgw.). Florida Screech Owl.— Much 
like the preceding, but smaller, with the colors deeper and markings of the 
under parts heavier. W., 5*95 ; T., 2*80. 

Ra nge— Florida and Gulf coast region to Louisiana. 

375. Bubo virginianus (GmeL). Great Horned Owl. Ad.— Srze 
large ; ear-tufts conspicuous, nearly two inches in length ; upper parts mottled 
with varying shades of ochraceous-buff and black; facial disk ochraceous- 
buff : ear-tufts black and ochraceous-buff ; a white patch on the throat, rest 
of the under parts ochraceous-buff, barred with black ; legs and feet feath- 
ered; eyes yellow. '<$ L., 22-00; W., 15-00; T., 8-50; B., 1-60. 

Range.— TL&stern North America ; northward to Labrador and southward 
to Costa Rica; resident throughout its range. 

Washington, rare P. R. Sing Sing, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge, 
occasional at all seasons. 

Nest, generally in an old Crow's, Hawk's, or Squirrel's nest. Eggs, two to 
three, 2-20 x 1-80. 



220 OWLS. 

This " tiger among birds " is an inhabitant of heavily forested re- 
gions, and is common therefore only in the wilder, less settled portions 
of our country. It is the only one of our resident Owls which destroys 
poultry and birds in any numbers, but, in spite of its frequent visits 
to the farmyard, Dr. Fisher considers that in many localities it is a 
" beneficial species " because of its great fondness for rabbits. 

Its usual call is a loud, deep-toned wlido, hoo-hoo-hoo, wlidoo, whooo. 
The syllables are all on the same note, and bear some resemblance to 
a bass-voiced dog barking in the distance. 

A much rarer call is a loud, piercing scream, one of the most blood- 
curdling sounds I have ever heard in the woods. 

" Of 127 stomachs examined, 31 contained poultry or game birds ; 
8, other birds ; 13, mice ; 65, other mammals ; 1, a scorpion ; 1, fish ; 
10, insects, and 17 w r ere empty " (Fisher). 

375a. B. v. subarcticus {Hoy). Western Horned Owl.— Similar 
to the preceding, but much lighter in color, the ochraceous-buff markings 
largely replaced by gray or white. 

Range. — Western United States, east casually to Wisconsin and Illinois. 

375c. B. v. saturatus Ridgw. Dusky Horned Owl. — Similar to 
B. virginianus, but much darker, the prevailing color fuscous or dusky. 

Range. — " From Labrador and Hudson Bay ; west through the interior to 
Alaska, and south probably through all the higher regions of the Rocky 
and Sierra Nevada Mountains; south to Arizona (San Francisco Mountain)" 
(Ben dire). 

376. Nyctea nyctea {Linn.). Snowy Owl. Ad. 6. — Size large; 
no ear-tufts ; white, more or less barred with dark grayish brown or fuscous ; 
legs and feet heavily feathered ; eyes yellow. Ad. $ . — Similar, but more 
heavily barred. L., 25-00 ; W., 17-00 ; T., 9-50 ; B., 1-50. 

Range. — Breeds from Labrador northward and wanders southward in 
winter regularly to the northern United States and occasionally to Texas. 

Washington, casual W. V. Sing Sing, A. V. Cambridge, rare and irregu- 
;ar W. V. 

JVest on the ground. -Eggs, three to ten, 2*24 x 1*76. 

" The Snowy Owl is diurnal in its habits, but like most birds is 
more active in search of prey during the early morning and again 
toward dusk. Like many of the Hawks, it occupies a commanding 
perch for hours, watching what is going on about it, occasionally 
varying the monotony by dropping on a mouse or launching out over 
the broad country, soon to return to its perch. During its southern 
wanderings it is very partial to localities in the vicinity of water, 
especially the barren sand wastes along the seashore or extensive 
marshy fiats bordering the bays and rivers. . . . 

" The flight is firm, smooth, and noiseless, and may be long pro- 






OWLS. 221 

tracted. It is capable of rapid flight, and, according to Audubon, is 
able to capture Ducks, Pigeons, and even Grouse on the wing, striking 
them down after the manner of the Duck Hawk. 

'• Of 38 stomachs examined, 2 contained game birds ; 9, other 
birds ; 18, mice ; 2, other mammals ; and 12 were empty " (Fisher). 

377. Surnia ulula caparoch {Miill.). American Hawk Owl. 
A'l. — Size medium ; no ear-tufts ; upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous ; 
head and hind neck spotted with white; back, and especially tertials, barred 
with white; tail with broken whitish bars, long and rounded, the outer 
feathers more than an inch shorter than the middle ones; middle of the 
throat with a fuscous spot and below it a white one; sides of the neck and 
upper breast streaked with fuscous, rest of the under parts barred with fuscous 
and white ; legs and feet fully feathered. L., 15-00 ; W\, 8*75 ; T., 7'25. 

Range. — Breeds from Newfoundland northward, and occasionally wanders 
southward in winter as far as Pennsylvania. 

Nest, in coniferous trees or in the holes of dead trees or stubs. Eggs, three 
to seven, 1-50 x 1-23. 

" The Hawk Owl is strictly diurnal, as much so as any of the 
Hawks, and like some of them often selects a tall stub or dead-topped 
tree in a comparatively open place for a perch, where it sits in the 
bright sunlight watching for its prey. 

"Although the flight is swift and hawklike, it has nevertheless 
the soft, noiseless character common to the other Owls ; when starting 
from any high place, such as the top of a tree, it usually pitches down 
nearly to the ground, and flies. off rapidly above the tops of the bushes 
or high grass, abruptly arising again as it seeks another perch. 

" The note is a shrill cry, which is uttered generally while the bird 
is on the wing " (Fisher). 

378a. Speotyto cunicularia floridana Ridgw. Florida Bur- 
rowing Owl. Ad. — Size small; no ear-tufts; legs and feet nearly naked; 
upper parts grayish brown, spotted and barred with white ; throat white, rest 
of the under parts barred with grayish brown and white in about equal 
amounts. L., 0-00; W., 6-50; T., 3-00; Tar., 1-75. 

Range. — Southern Florida, chiefly in the Kissimmee "prairie" region of 
Osceola, Polk, and De Soto Counties, and also Manatee County. 

Nest, in a hole in the ground excavated by the bird. Eggs, live to seven, 
1-23 x 1-03. 

This diurnal Owl is locally abundant in its restricted range. Ex- 
cellent accounts of its habits will be found under the following refer- 
ences: Rhoads, Auk, ix, 1892, pp. 1-8; Scott, ibid., 216-218; Bendire, 
Life Histories North American Birds, pp. 400-402. 

The Burrowing Owl (378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea), well known 
in our Western States, has been taken once in Massachusetts. 



222 PAROQUETS. 



ORDER PSITTACI. PARROTS, MACAWS, PAROOUETS, 

ETC. 

Family Psittacid^e. Parrots and Paroquets. 

The order Psittaci is divided into six families containing in all 
about five hundred species. The American species, some one hundred 
and fifty in number, are included in the present family. Only one 
species inhabits the United States, and it is not found south of our 
boundaries. Parrots and Paroquets — the dividing line between the 
two can not be sharply drawn — are forest-inhabiting, fruit- and seed- 
eating birds. They are poor walkers, good climbers, and strong fliers, 
making extended flights in search of food. Their voices in Nature 
are harsh and discordant; nevertheless, almost all the species possess 
the power of speech. Some, however, rarely learn to talk, while others 
invariably do. The red- tailed, gray African Parrot (Psittacus erytha- 
cus) takes first rank for ability in this direction, while the Mexican 
Double Yellow-head (Amazona levaillanti) is usually accorded second 
place. 

382. Conurus carolinensis {Linn.). Carolina Paroquet. (See 
Fig. 34.) Ad. — Head and neck all around yellow; forehead and cheeks deep 
orange ; bend of the wing and tibiae orange ; rest of the plumage bright green ; 
the inner vanes of the wing-feathers fuscous ; the under surface of the tail yel- 
lowish. Im. — Similar, but the head and neck green like the back ; forehead 
and region in front of the eye orange; tibiae and bend of the wing without 
orange. L., 12-50; W., 7*40; T., 6-50. 

Range. — Formerly eastern United States north to Maryland, the Great 
Lakes, and Iowa ; west to Colorado, the Indian Territory, and eastern Texas ; 
now restricted to a few localities in the wilder parts of Indian Territory and 
Florida. (On the extermination of the Paroquet, see Hasbrouck, Auk, viii, 
1891, pp. 369-379, with map; and Butler, ibid., ix, 1892, pp. 49-56.) 

Nest, said to be in a hollow cypress or sycamore tree, but no exact, de- 
tailed account of the nidincation of this species has been published. Eggs, 
two, white, 1*44 x 1*12. 

The complete extermination of the Paroquet throughout the greater 
part of its range is due chiefly to four causes : first, it was destructive 
to fruit orchards, and for this reason was killed by agriculturists; 
second, it has been trapped and bagged in enormous numbers by pro- 
fessional bird-catchers ; third, it has been killed in myriads for its 
plumage ; and, fourth, it has been wantonly slaughtered by so-called 
sportsmen. In short, in the present century the Paroquet has always 
disappeared soon after its haunts were invaded by civilized man. 

I made three visits to Florida before learning of a locality where 
Paroquets could be found. Finally, in March, 1889, while collecting 



PAROQUETS. 223 

in eastern Florida, information was received of their presence near the 
head waters of the Sebastian River, a small stream flowing into the 
Indian River near Micco, and I at once started for this locality. The 
following notes made on this trip are from the Abstract of the Pro- 
ceedings of the Linnaean Society of New York city, No. 2, 1890, pp. 5, 6. 
Since they were written the Paroquet has been found to be a locally 
common bird in the unsettled parts of Brevard, Osceola, Polk, De Soto, 
and Dade Counties. 

Late on the afternoon of our arrival we started a flock of seven - 
Paroquets from a productive patch of the thistles {Cirsium lecontei) 
which proved to be their favorite food. Evidently their meal was 
finished and they were ready to retire, for they darted like startled 
Doves through the pines, twisting and turning in every direction, and 
flying with such rapidity they were soon lost to view, the ring of their 
sharp, rolling call alone furnishing proof it was not all a vision. Two 
days passed before I again met Conurus, and this time to better ad- 
vantage. It was a wet and drizzling morning when we found a flock 
of six birds feeding on thistles at the edge of a " prairie." Perched on 
the leafless branches of the tree before us, their brilliant green plum- 
age showed to the best advantage. Several were skillfully dissecting 
the thistles they held in their feet, biting out the milky seed while the 
released fluffy down floated away beneath them. There was a sound 
of suppressed conversation ; half-articulate calls. We were only par- 
tially concealed behind a neighboring tree, still they showed no great 
alarm at our presence ; curiosity was apparently the dominant feeling. 
One of the three birds which fell at our fire was but slightly wounded, 
a single shot passing through the elbow, and his loud outcries soon 
recalled his companions — a habit which has cost thousands of them 
their lives, and in part, at least, accounts for the rapidity of their ex- 
termination — and one alone of this flock escaped. 

There was evident regularity in the habits of the birds we after- 
ward observed— in all about fifty, in flocks of from six to twenty. At 
an early hour they left their roost in the "hummock" bordering the 
river and passed out into the pines to feed, always, so far as I ob- 
served, selecting thistle patches, and eating the seeds only when in the 
milky stage. At about ten o'clock they returned to the "hummock" 
and apparently to some favorite tree, here to pass the rest of the morn- 
ing and early afternoon, when they again started out to feed, return- 
ing to the roost just before sunset, A flock of these birds feeding 
among the thistles is a most beautiful and animated sight; one is 
almost persuaded not to disturb them. There is constant movement 
as they fly from plant to plant, or, when securing thistles, they fly with 
*hera in their bills to a neighboring tree, there to dissect them at their 



224 CUCKOOS. 

leisure. The loud rolling call was apparently uttered only when on 
the wing, but when at rest, or feeding, there was a low conversational 
murmur of half-articulate, querulous notes and calls. 

Of their roosting habits I can say little or nothing. Late one 
morning (March 15th) we found a flock of eight birds resting on a tall, 
dead cypress near the center of the "hummock" on the river's bank. 
On a previous expedition my guide had observed them in this same 
tree, which was evidently a favorite midday haunt, and it is not impos- 
sible they may have roosted in the hole we discovered near its top. 



ORDER COCCYGES. CUCKOOS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. 

Family Cuculidje. Cuckoos, Anis, Etc. 

Only thirty-five of the some one hundred and seventy-five known 
species of Cuckoos are found in the New World, and they are largely 
confined to the tropics. 

Cuckoos as a rule are rather solitary birds inhabiting wooded areas. 
The Anis, however, are always gregarious and live in open places. 
Their flight is weak, generally from tree to tree, and their feet are 
largely used as a means of progression. Some species hoj), others 
walk, and one is celebrated for his speed as a runner. They are pos- 
sessed of peculiar vocal powers, and their strange calls are frequently 
the origin of their popular names. Many species are remarkable for 
the irregularity of their breeding habits. The Old-World Cuckoo (Cu- 
culus canorus), like our Cowbird, deposits its eggs in the nests of other 
birds, and leaves to them the duties of incubation and rearing of the 
young. The Anis are communistic, and build but one nest, in which 
several females lay and share the task of incubation. The smaller 
species are insectivorous, but the larger ones add small reptiles and 
batrachians to their fare. 

386. Coccyzus minor (GmeL). Mangrove Cuckoo. Ad,— Upper 
{tarts brownish gray, grayer on the head, with glossy reflections; wings and 
middle pair of tail-feathers like the back ; outer tail-feathers black, broadly 
tipped with white; ear-coverts black, bill black, the lower mandible yellow 
except at the tip; under parts ochraceous-buff. L., 12-50; W., 5-40 ; T., 6*50; 
B. from N., -80. 

Range. — Greater Antilles, west coast of Central America, northward to 
coast of Gulf States (?) ; west coast of Florida. 

Nest, a platform of sticks, in low trees and bushes. Eggs, three to four 
greenish blue. 

This bird is apparently a rare summer resident on the Gulf const 
of Florida, but its relationships in this region to the following race 
are not known. 




CUCKOOS. 225 

386a. C. m. maynardi {Ridgw.). Maynard's Cuckoo. — Similar to 
the preceding, but with a slightly smaller bill and much paler under parts, 
the throat and breast being grayish white, very faintly washed with ochra- 
ceous, which becomes stronger on the belly. B. from N., *7o. 

Range. — Bahamas and Florida Keys. 

This bird is a regular summer resident in the Florida Keys and 
probably adjoining Atlantic mainland (see Scott, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 250). 

387. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 
(See Fig. 36.) Ad. — Upper parts brownish gray »vith slight greenish gloss-, 
most of the wing-feathers rufous, except at the tip ; outer tail-feathers black, 
conspicuously tipped 
with white, which ex- 
tends down the outer 
vane of the outer 
feather; under parts 

dull whitish; bill yiq. 78.— Tail-feathers of Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 

black, the lower man- 
dible yellow, except at the tip. L., 12-20; W., 5*70; T., 6-20; B. from N., -76. 

Remarks. — This species bears a general resemblance to the Black-billed 
Cuckoo, but may always be known from that species by its yellow lower 
mandible, rufous whig- feathers, and black, white-tipped tail-feathers. 

Range. — North iVmerica ; breeds from Florida to New Brunswick, and 
winters in Central and South America. 

Washington, common S. R., May 2 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
May 4 to Oct. 31. Cambridge, common S. R., May 12 to Aug. 

Nest, a platform of small sticks, with a few grasses or catkins, generally in 
low trees or vine-covered bushes, four to ten feet from the ground. Eggs, 
three to five, pale greenish blue, 1*22 x -92. 

A long, slim, dovelike bird slips noiselessly by and disappears in 
the depths of a neighboring tree. If you can mark his position you 
will find him perched motionless, and apparently slightly dazed. After 
a moment he recovers and begins to hop about the tree in an active 
search for his favorite fare of caterpillars. He is especially fond of 
the kind which make nests in trees, commonly known as "tent cater- 
pillars," and if you examine the conspicuous homes of these pests you 
will frequently find them punctured with many holes made by the 
Cuckoo's bill. A Cuckoo I shot at six o'clock one September morning 
had the partially digested remains of forty-three of these caterpillars 
in his stomach. 

The notes of the Cuckoo are strikingly characteristic, and while 
subject to much variation may be fairly represented by the syllables 
tut-tut, tut-tut, tut-tut, tut-tut, cl-uck-cl-uck-cl-uck, cl-uck-cl-uck, cl-uck, 
cow, cow, cow, cow, cow, cow. It is not usual, however, to hear the 
whole song given at once. 
1G 



226 KINGFISHERS. 

388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus ( Wils.). Black - billed 

Cuckoo. Ad. — Upper parts grayish brown with a slight green gloss; wings 

and tail the same, the 

Fig. 74.— Tail feathers of Black-billed Cuckoo. 5'50 ; T., 6-26 ; B. from 

N., -74. 

Remarks— This species is to be distinguished from the Yellow-billed 
Cuckoo chiefly by the absence of rufous in the wings, black in the tail, and 
yellow in the lower mandible. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds as far north as Labrador, and 
winters in Central and South America. 

Washington, rather rare S. K., May 2 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. 
K., May 3 to Oct. 7. Cambridge, common S. R., May 15 to Sept. 20. 

Nest, similar to that of the preceding, but more compactly built; location 
the same. Eggs, two to five, greenish blue, of a deeper shade than those of 
the preceding species, 1-14 x -85. 

This species resembles the preceding in habits. The two birds may 
be distinguished in life by the differences in the color of their bills and 
tails. Mr. William Brewster has called my attention to an easily rec- 
ognizable difference in their calls. The present species has a much 
softer voice, and the coiv, cow notes are connected. 

The Ani (383. Crotophoga ani), a common species in the Bahamas and 
Greater Antilles, is of accidental occurrence in Pennsylvania, Florida, and 
Louisiana. Its plumage is black with bluish reflections, the tail is rounded, 
the bill high and thin, the depth at the nostril equaling or exceeding the 
distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill. 

Family Alcedinid^e. Kingfishers. 

Kingfishers are most numerous in the Malay Archipelago, and the 
majority of the one hundred and eighty known species are found there. 
Only eight are American, and seven of these are confined to the tropics. 
They are solitary birds of somewhat local habit. All the American 
species are, as their name implies, fish-eaters, and are rarely found far 
from the water. Some of the Old- World species, however, are forest- 
inhabiting and feed on small insects, mollusks, etc. 

390. Ceryle alcyon {Linn.). Belted Kingfisher. (See Fig. 35.) 
Ad. 6 . — Upper parts bluish gray ; wings with small white spots, most of the 
feathers tipped with white, the inner web of the primaries white at the base; 
tail-feathers with numerous spots and broken bands of white : a white spot 
before the eye; throat white, this color passing on to the sides of the neck 
and nearly meetinor on the back of the neck ; a band across the breast, and 



WOODPECKERS. 227 

the sides bluish gray — in immature specimens tinged with rufous — lower 
breast and belly white. Ad. 9 . — Similar to the male, but the sides and a 
band on the belly rufous. L., 13-02; W., 6*17 ; T., 3*60 ; B., 200. 

Range, — North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador, and winters 
from Virginia to South America. 

Washington, common P. K. Sing Sing, common S. R., Apl. 1 to Nov. 23; 
casual in winter. Cambridge, common S. K., Apl. 10 to Oct. 

Nest, in a hole in a bank, about six feet from the entrance. Eggs, five 
to eight, white, 1*34 x 1-05. 

The shores of wooded streams or ponds are the chosen haunts of 
the Kingfisher. Silently he perches on some limb overhanging the 
water, ever on the alert for food or foe. Paddle toward him as quietly 
as you please, just as you reach his danger line he drops from his 
perch and with loud, rattling call flies on ahead. This may be re- 
peated several times, until finally the limits of his wanderings are 
reached, when he makes a wide detour and returns to the starting point. 

The Kingfisher hunts after the manner of the Fish Hawk. In 
passing over the water it needs only the glint of a shining fin or scale 
just beneath the surface to catch his watchful eye. On quickly mov- 
ing wings he hovers over the place, waiting only a fair chance to 
plunge on the unsuspecting fish below. Emerging from the water 
with his prey in his bill, he shakes the spray from his plumage, and, 
with an exultant rattle, flies away to some favorite perch. 



ORDER PICI. WOODPECKERS, WRYNECKS, ETC. 

Family Picidje. Woodpeckers. 

Woodpeckers occur in all wooded parts of the world except in the 
Australian region and Madagascar. About three hundred and fifty 
species are known, of which nearly one half are confined to the 
New World. Some twenty-five of this number are found in North 
America. Woodpeckers are rather solitary birds, but are sometimes 
found associated in scattered companies during their migrations. 
Above all other birds they are especially adapted to creep or climb. 
The peculiar structure of the foot, with its two toes directed for- 
ward and two backward (except in one genus), assists them in cling- 
ing to an upright surface, while the pointed, stiffened tail-feathers 
serve as a prop when the bird is resting. The stout, chisel-like bill is 
used to cut away wood and expose the hiding places of grubs, etc., 
when the long, distensible tongue with its horny, spearlike tip is 
thrust in, the food impaled and drawn out. The vocal powers of 
Woodpeckers are limited, and the bill is also used to beat the long, 
rolling call which is their love-song. The eggs of Woodpeckers are 



228 WOODPECKERS. 

uniformly white, and are placed in a hole, generally in a dead tree or 
limb, hollowed out by the bird. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. No red on the head or nape. 

A. Entire under parts black. 

a. Wing about 10*00, bill ivory-white. 

392. Ivory-billed Woodpecker 9 . 

B. Under parts white, without black spots or streaks. 

a. Wing under 4*00 ; outer tail-feathers barred with black. 

394. Downy Woodpecker 9 . 

b. Wing over 4*00 ; outer tail-feathers white, without black bars. 

393. Hairy Woodpecker 9 . 
393&. Southern Hairy Woodpecker 9 . 

C. Under parts with black spots, bars, or streaks. 

a. Back entirely black . . 400. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. 

b. Back black and white. 

b 1 . Outer tail-feathers entirely white, crown yellow or spotted with 

white 401. Am. Three-toed Woodpecker. 

6 2 . Outer tail-feathers barred with black, no black patch on the 

breast, ear-coverts white . 395. Eed-cockaded Woodpecker 9 . 
£> 3 . Outer tail-feathers black, with generally a narrow white margin ; 

rump white 406. Ked-headed Woodpecker 9 . 

b*. Outer tail-feathers black and white, a large black patch on the 

breast 402. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 9 . 

II. Whole top of the head red. 

A. Throat red. 

a. Primaries spotted with white, belly yellowish. 

402. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker & . 

b. Primaries black, rump and belly white. 

406. Ked-headed Woodpecker ,5 , 

B. Throat white. 

a. Breast and belly black .... 405. Pileated Woodpecker $ . 

b. Breast black or blackish, sides streaked, belly yellowish white. 

402. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 9 . 

c. Under parts tinged with red, without streaks or spots. 

409. Red-bellied Woodpecker $ . 
III. Crown black, brown, or gray, a red band across the nape, a red crest on 
the back of the head, or small patches of red on either side of the 
nape. 

A. Under parts black, wing over 8*00. 

a. Bill ivory-white 392. Ivory-billed Woodpecker. 6 . 

b. Bill blackish 405. Pileated Woodpecker 9 . 

B. Under parts more or less spotted or streaked with black. 

a. A black patch on the breast, throat brown, rump white. 

412. Flicker. 

b. Head black, ear-coverts white, a few red feathers on either side of 
the nape 395. Ked-cockaded Woodpecker <5 . 




11.UKY Woodpecker. 
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 



WOODPECKERS. 229 

C. Under parts white, or whitish without hlack streaks or spots. 

a. Crown gray, a reddish tinge on the belly. 

409. Hed-bellied Woodpecker ? . 

b. Crown black. 

b l . Outer tail-feathers barred with black. 

39-4. Downy Woodpecker 6 . 

J a . Outer tail-feathers white .... 393. Hairy Woodpecker 6 . 

3936. Southern Hairy Woodpecker 6 . 

392. Campephilus principalis {Linn.). Ivory-billed Wood- 
pecker. Ad. 6. — Upper parts shining black, a large scarlet crest; a white 
stripe begins below the eye and, passing down the side of the neck, meets its 
fellow in the middle of the back ; ends of the inner primaries and the end 
half or two thirds of the secondaries white; outer tail-feathers very short, 
the central ones elongated and much stiffened ; bristles over the nostrils 
white; bill ivory-white: under parts shining black. Ad. 9. — Similar, but 
with the crest black. L., 20*00 ; W., 10-00 ; T., 6-50 ; B., 2*75. 

Eange. — " Formerly South Atlantic and Gulf States, from North Carolina 
to Texas ; north in the Mississippi Valley to Missouri, southern Illinois, and 
southern Indiana. Now restricted to the Gulf States and the lower Mississippi 
Valley, where only locally distributed" (A. O. U.). (See Hasbrouck, Auk, 
viii, 1891, pp. 174-186, with map.) 

JVisrf, in the higher part of a tree. Eggs, "1*31 x -86" (Ridgw.). (See 
also Maurice Thompson's A Eed-headed Family.) 

The home of this magnificent Woodpecker is in the almost limit- 
less cypress forests of our southern coasts and river valleys. Even 
there it is common in but few localities. In Florida it is found chiefly 
in the western part of the peninsula, and doubtless occurs in greatest 
numbers in the region between the Suwanee River and the Gulf. 

The Ivory-bill is a wild, shy bird. It does not remain long in one 
place, and during the day ranges over an extended territory. Its call 
is a high, rather nasal, yap, yap-yap, sounding in the distance like tho 
note of a penny trumpet. 

393. Dryobates villosus (Linn.). Hairy Woodpecker. (See Fig. 
37, a.) Ad. 3 . — Upper parts black; a scarlet band on the nape; middle of 
the back white; wing-feathers and their coverts spotted with white; middle 
tail-feathers black, the outer ones white ; a white stripe above and another 
below the eye; under parts white. Ad. 9. — Similar, but without scarlet on 
the back of the neck. L., 9-40 ; W., 4*78 ; T., 3*30 ; F>., 1-22. 

Range. — Eastern United States, from the northern border south to North 
Carolina. 

Washington, rare P. It. Sing Sing, rare P. R. Cambridge, uncommon 
W. V. 

Nest, generally in a dead tree. Eggs, four to six, -95 x -75. 

This species resembles the Downy Woodpecker in habits, but is less 
frequently observed out of the woods. Its notes arc noticeably louder 



230 WOODPECKERS. 

than the Downy's, and when one is familiar with both there is no diffi- 
culty in distinguishing the two by their voices. 

In speaking of the difference which exists between the rolling tattoo 
of some Woodpeckers Mr. Brewster says : " Thus, P. pubescens has a 
long, unbroken roll, P. villosus a shorter and louder one with a greater 
interval between each stroke ; while S. varius, commencing with a short 
roll, ends very emphatically with five or six distinct disconnected taps. 
In this latter species I am convinced it is literally a call of recognition, 
as I have repeatedly seen the bird, after producing it, listen a moment 
when it would be answered from a distance, and its mate would shortly 
appear and join it " (Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist., xi, 1875, p. 144). 

393b* D. v. audubonii (Swains.). Southern Hairy Woodpecker. 

— Si:nilar to the preceding, but smaller, and with somewhat less white in the 
plumage. L., 8-10 ; W., 4*50 ; T., 2-80 ; B., 1-15. 

Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf States north to South Carolina. 

This is simply a small southern race of the preceding species. It 
resembles the northern form in habits, but is much more common, be- 
ing nearly as numerous as the Downy Woodpecker. 

In the northwestern United States and adjoining British provinces 
the Hairy Woodpecker reaches its maximum size, and is known as the 
Northern Hairy Woodpecker (D. v. leucomelas), a form which may 
occur within our limits. 

394. Dryobates pubescens (Linn.). Downy Woodpecker. Ad. 

6 . — Upper parts black, a scarlet band on the nape ; middle of the back 
white ; wing-feathers and their coverts spotted with white ; middle tail- 
feathers black, the outer ones white, barred with black ; a white stripe above 
and another below the eye ; under parts white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with- 
out scarlet on the nape. L., 6*83 ; W., 3*70 ; T., 2'53 ; B., -68. 

Remarks. — The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers differ in coloration only 
in the markings of the outer tail-feathers, which are white, barred with black 
in the former, and white without bars in the latter; the difference in size be- 
tween the two, however, is always diagnostic. 

Range. — Eastern North America, from Labrador to Florida; resident 
throughout its range. 

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. E. Cambridge, com- 
mon P. R. 

JYest, generally in a dead tree. Eggs, four to six, -75 x -GO. 

Woodland, orchards, and the shade trees of lawns are alike fre- 
quented by this, the smallest and most familiar of our Woodpeckers. 
Sometimes he tells of his presence by an industrious tap, tap — tapping 
as he patiently digs out the grubs and larvae which form his bill of 
fare. Again he hails us with a businesslike peek, peek — a note closely 
resembling the sound produced by a marble quarrier's chisel, and which 



WOODPECKERS. 231 

sometimes is prolonged into a rattling call. Like other Woodpeckers, 
in the spring he beats a rolling tattoo on a resonant limb, sounding a 
reveille which is a credit to so small a drummer. 

The Downy is a sociable Woodpecker, and when the gay summer 
visitors have returned to their southern homes and the wind whistles 
drearily through the leafless trees, he joins the Chickadees and Nut- 
hatches, and during the winter they are inseparable companions. Per- 
haps they share with him the snug quarters in some old trunk which 
he has hollowed out for a winter home. 

395. Dryobates borealis (FieilL). Ked-cockaded Woodpecker. 

Ad. 6 .—Crown black, a small tuft of scarlet feathers on either side of the back 
of the head; back barred with black and white; wings spotted with black 
and white ; middle tail-feathers black, outer ones with broken black bars ; ear 
region white, separated from the white throat by a black stripe running from 
the bill to the shoulder ; sides and under tail-coverts spotted and streaked 
with black ; rest of the under parts white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but without 
scarlet on the head. L., 8-40 ; W., 4-65 ; T., 3-10 ; B., -80. 

Range. — Southern United States, westward to Indian Territory, and north- 
ward to Tennessee and Virginia. 

Nest, in the higher part of a pine tree. Eggs, four to six, '91 x *68. 

This species is a common inhabitant of the " piny woods." It pre- 
fers the higher branches of the trees, and frequently hangs head down- 
ward while feeding on a cone at the extremity of a branch. Its call- 
note suggests the yank, yank, of the White-bellied Nuthatch, but is 
louder, hoarser, and not so distinctly enunciated. 

400. Picoides arcticus (Swains.). Arctic Three-toed Wood- 
pecker. (See Fig. 37, b.) Ad. $. — Toes three, two in front; middle of the 
crown with a bright orange-yellow patch ; rest of the upper parts shining 
black; wing-feathers spotted with white; middle tail-feathers black, outer 
ones white, except at the base ; a white line from the nostril passes below the 
eye ; sides barred with black and white ; rest of the under parts white. Ad. 
9. — Similar, but without orange-yellow on the crown. L., 9 - 50; W., 5*10; 
T., 3-40 ; B. from N., -98. 

Range. — Northern North America, south to the northern United States. 

JS"est, within ten feet of the ground. Eggs, four to six, 1-05 x *78. 

" It is a restless, active bird, spending its time generally on the 
topmost branches of the tallest trees, without, however, confining itself 
to pines. Although it can not be called shy, its habitual restlessness 
renders it difficult of approach. Its movements resemble those of the 
Ked-cockaded Woodpecker, but it is still more petulant than that 
bird. ... Its cries also somewhat resemble those of the species above 
mentioned, but are louder and more shrill, like those of some small 
quadruped suffering great pain. . . . 

" Its flight is rapid, gliding, and deeply undulating. . . . Now and 



232 WOODPECKERS. 

then it will fly from a detached tree of a field to a considerable dis- 
tance before it alights, emitting at every glide a loud, shrill note " 
(Audubon). 

401* Picoides americanus Brehm. American Three-toed Wood- 
pecker. Ad. 6 . — Toes three, two in front ; head spotted with white and with 
an orange-yellow patch on the crown; back barred with black and wliite ; 
wing-feathers spotted with black and white ; middle tail-feathers black, 
outer ones black and white ; region below the eye mixed black and white ; 
sides more or less barred with black and white ; rest of the under parts 
white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but crown spotted with black and white, and with- 
out yellow. L., 8*75 ; \\\, 4*55 ; T., 3'10 ; B. from N., -95. 

Range. — Northern North America, south to the northern United States. 

Nest, in the lower part of a tree. Eggs, white, -92 x -70 (Merriam, Bull. 
Nutt. Ora. Club., iii, 1878, p. 200). 

" It is said to greatly resemble P. villoma in habits, except that it 
seeks its food principally upon decaying trees of the pine tribe, in 
which it frequently makes holes large enough to bury itself. It is 
not migratory " (B., B., and R.). 

402. Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 

Ad. 6 . — Crown deep scarlet, back irregularly barred with black and yellow- 
ish white; wing-feathers spotted with white, their coverts mostly white; 
tail black, the middle feathers with broken black bars, the outer ones with 
white margins ; a white line from the bill passes below the eye; throat car- 
dinal ; breast black ; sides streaked with black ; belly pale yellow. Ad. 9 . — 
Similar, but throat white; crown sometimes black; outer tail-feathers with 
broken white bars. Im. — Similar to ads., but with the crown dull blackish, 
the breast brownish gray barred with black, the throat whitish. L., 8*56; 
W., 487; T., 3-20; B., 92. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Massachusetts northward, 
and winters from Virginia to Central America. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. and Apl. ; Oct., occasional in winter. 
Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 5 to May 13; Sept. 18 to Oct. 23; casual in 
winter. Cambridge, not uncommon T. V., Apl. and Oct. 

JVest, about forty feet from the ground. Eggs, five to seven, *87 x -67. 

As migrants, Sapsuckers are rather inconspicuous. They frequent 
living trees, where they are concealed by the foliage and their weak 
call-note is not likely to attract attention. 

On reaching their summer homes in the spring their character 
changes, and Dr. Merriam speaks of them as " noisy, rollicking fel- 
lows; they are always chasing one another among the trees, screaming 
meanwhile at the tops of their voices" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, 
p. 2). Mr. Brewster describes the note of the adults at this season as 
u a clear, ringing chnir, repeated five or six times in succession"; 
while young and old utter " a low, snarling cry that bears no very dis- 



WOODPECKERS. 233 

taut resemblance to the mew of the Catbird" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. 
i, 1870, p. 0!)). 

The Sapsueker feeds largely on the juices of trees, which it obtains 
by perforating the bark. (See Bolles, Auk, viii, 181)1, p. 250; ix, 18U2, 
p. 110.) 

405. Ceophloeus pileatus / inn,). Pileated Woodpeckeb. Ad. 6. 

— Upper parts blackish fuscous; whole top of the head scarlet, the feathers 
lengthened to form a crest; a narrow white stripe bordering this crest sepa- 
rates it from the fuscous ear-coverts; a stripe beginning at the nostril and 
passing down the .sides of the neck to the shoulders is tinged with yellow 
before the eye and is white hack of the eye; it is separated from the white 
throat by a scarlet stripe at the base of the lower inaudible; basal half of the 
wing-feathers white; under parts fuscous, the feathers sometimes Lightly 
margined with white; bill horn-color. Ad. 9. — Similar, but without red on 
the fore part of the crown or at the base of the lower mandible. L., 17'00; 
W., 8*90; T., 0-2U; B., L-85. 

Range. — "Formerly whole wooded region of North America; now rare or 
extirpated in the more thickly settled parts of the Eastern States." . 

Washington, rare 1*. R. 

Nest, twenty-live to eighty feet from the ground. Eggs, four to six, 1*30 
x -04. 

This species is common only in the wilder parts of its range. In 
the hummocks and cypress swamps of Florida it occurs in numbers. 
There, contrary to the experience of Audubon, I found it by no means 
a wild bird. Indeed, Flickers were more difficult to approach. On 
the Suwanee River, in March, 1 have called these birds to me by sim- 
ply clapping my slightly closed palms, making a sound in imitation 
of their tapping on a resonant limb. 

The flight of this species is rather slow, but usually direct, not 
undulating, as in most Woodpeckers. When under way the white 
markings of the wings show conspicuously. Their usual call-note is a 
sonorous cow-cow-cow, repeated rather slowly many times, suggesting 
a somewhat similar call of the Flicker's. Like the Flicker, they have 
also a wicheiv note uttered when two birds come together. 

406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus Linn,). Red-headed Wood- 
pecker. Ad. — Head, neck, throat, and upper breast deep red; upper back, 
primaries, liases of the secondaries, and wing-coverts bluish black ; end half 
of the secondaries, rump, and upper tail-coverts white ; tail black, the feath- 
ers more or less tipped or margined with white; lower breast and belly white, 
the middle of the latter generally tinged with reddish. Im, — Red head and 
neck of the adult replaced by mixed grayish brown and fuscous; upper back 
bluish black, barred with ashy ; primaries and wing-coverts black ; end half 
of the secondaries irregularly barred with black; tail black, generally tipped 
with white; lower breast and belly white, more or less streaked or spotted 
with fuseous. L., 0-75; \Y\, 5-52; T., 3'30 ; B., W7. 



234 WOODPECKERS. 

Range.— Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to northern New 
York and Manitoba; winters from Virginia, and occasionally from northern 
New York southward. 

Washington, rather common S. R., rare W. V. Sing Sing, rare P. K, 
common in fall, Aug. 27 to Oct. 12. Cambridge, irregular at all seasons; 
sometimes common in fall. 

Nest, generally in a dead tree. Eggs, four to six, 1-00 x *75. 

Give a bird an abundance of its favorite food, and its movements 
no longer seem to be governed by the calendar. Red-headed Wood- 
peckers were supposed to migrate southward in the fall and pass the 
winter south of Maryland until Dr. Merriam, in his interesting ac- 
count * of the habits of this species, told us that in Lewis County, 
northern New York, their abundance in winter was in no way affected 
by the severity of the weather, but was entirely dependent upon the 
success of the crop of beechnuts which constitute their food. 

Indeed, few birds seem better able to adapt themselves to their 
surroundings. They change their fare and habits with the season, 
and to the accomplishments of Woodpeckers add those of Flycatchers 
and fruit-eaters. We should expect, therefore, to find them very gen- 
erally distributed, but in the Northern States they show an evident 
choice for certain localities, and may be wanting over wide stretches 
of intervening territory. 

They are noisy, active birds, and their loud, rolling, tree-toadlike 
call, ker-r-ruck, ker-r-ruck, and bright colors combine to render them 
conspicuous. When on the wing the white secondaries of both adult 
and immature birds make a striking field mark. 

403. Melanerpes carolinus (Linn.). Ked-bellieo Woodpecker. 
j±d, $ .—Whole top of the head and back of the neck bright scarlet; back 
regularly barred with black and white ; primaries black at the end, white, 
irregularly barred with black, at the base ; secondaries black, regularly spotted 
and barred with white; upper tail-coverts white, with streaks or arrowheads 
of black ; outer tail-feathers and inner vanes of the middle ones irregularly 
marked with broken black and white bars ; cheeks and under parts dull ashy 
white, the region about the base of the bill, the middle of the belly, and some- 
times the breast more or less tinged with red. Ad. 9 .—Similar, but with the 
crown grayish ashy, the scarlet confined to the nape and nostrils. Tra.— Simi- 
lar, but with the belly sometimes tinged with buffy instead of red. L., 9'50; 
W.,5-00; T.,3-40; B., TIO. 

Range.— Eastern United States, breeding from Florida to Maryland, and 
in the interior to Ontario and southern Dakota; occasionally strays to Massa- 
chusetts; winters from Virginia and southern Ohio southward. 

Washington, locally common P. Ii. Cambridge, A. V., one record. 

Mitt, in trees, about twenty feet from the ground. Eggs, four to six, 
1-05 x -75. 



* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, 1878, pp. 123-128. 



WOODPECKERS. 235 

This is a common bird in our Southern States. It inhabits alike 
coniferous and deciduous growths, but prefers the latter. It ascends 
a tree in a curious, jerky fashion, accompanying each upward move 
by a hoarse chuh-chuh. 

412. Colaptes auratus {Linn.). Flicker; High-hole; Clape; 
Yellow-hammer; Golden-winged Woodpecker. Ad. S . — Top of the head 
ashy gray, a bright scarlet band across the back of the neck ; back, wing- 
coverts, and exposed part of secondaries brownish gray, barred with black ; 
rump white; primaries black externally, the inner surface of the wing and 
the shafts of the feathers yellow; upper tail-coverts barred or streaked with 
black and white ; tail black above, yellow tipped with black below, the outer 
edges of the feathers slightly margined or barred with white; sides of the 
head, throat, and upper breast vinaceous ; a broad black stripe on either side 
of the throat from the base of the bill, and a broad black crescent across the 
breast : rest of the under parts white, more or less tinged with vinaceous, and 
thickly spotted with black. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but without the black streaks 
on the side of the throat. L., 12-00 ; W., 6'00 ; T., 4-00 : B., 1*40. 

Remarks. — Exceptional specimens have a few red feathers in the throat 
stripes. A male from Louisiana has this mark entirely red and the head gray- 
ish brown, while another specimen from Toronto has half the tail orange-red. 
These unusual markings arc supposed to be due to hybridization of our Flicker 
with the western or Ked-shafted Flicker, which resembles the eastern species 
in pattern of coloration, but has the crown brownish gray or grayish brown, 
the throat stripes scarlet, the throat and breast gray, the under surface of 
wings and tail dull red, and lacks the red nuchal band. (See an important 
paper on the relationships of these birds by Dr. J. A. Allen, in the Bull. Am. 
Mas. Nat. Hist., iv, 1392, pp. 21-44). 

Range. — North America, west to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 
and Alaska ; breeds throughout its range, and winters from Illinois and Massa- 
chusetts southward. 

Washington, common S. R., rare W. V. Sing Sing, common S. R., Mch. 
25 to Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, very common S. R., common W. V. 

Nest, in trees, about ten feet from the ground, frequently m orchards. 
Eggs, rive to nine, 1*10 x -80. 

The habits, notes, and colors of this well-known bird are reflected 
in the popular names which have been applied to it throughout its 
wide range. Xo less than thirty-six of these aliases have been re- 
corded, and many have doubtless escaped the compiler. 

The Flicker is a bird of character. Although a Woodpecker, he 
is too original to follow in the footsteps of others of his tribe. They 
do not frequent the ground, but that is no reason why he should not 
humor his own terrestrial propensities, and we may therefore fre- 
quently flush him from the earth, when, with a low chuckle, he goes 
bounding off through the air, his white rump showing conspicuously 
as he flies. 



236 NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC. 

The Flicker, like other Woodpeckers, beats a rolling tattoo in the 
spring, but his vocal song proper is a rapidly-repeated, mellow cuh~ 
cuh-cuh-cuh-cuh, etc., as springlike a sound as the peeping of frogs. 
His usual note is a vigorous, nasal kee-yer. It recalls frosty fall morn- 
ings when the High-holes are gathering to feed on the woodbine and 
pepperidge berries. Approaching their feeding grounds, one may hear 
the " Flicker " note. It can be closely imitated by the swishing of a 
willow wand: weechew, weechew, iceechew. I never remember hearing 
a bird utter this note when alone. It is accompanied by the oddest 
gestures, as with tails stiffly spread the birds bob and bow to each 
other. 



ORDER MACROOHIRES. GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, 
HUMMINGBIRDS, ETC. 

Family Caprimulgid^e. Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, 

etc. 

Goatsuckers are found in most parts of the world, but are more 
numerously represented in the tropics. Some eighty-five species are 
known, of which about one half are American, though only seven 
reach North America. Most of the American species are forest-inhab- 
iting, passing the day upon the leaves or perched lengthwise upon the 
branches of trees, where their dull, blended colors harmonize with 
their surroundings. The Nighthawks, however, are equally at home 
in treeless countries. Nighthawks feed high in the air, like Swifts, 
while other species frequent the borders of forests or clearings, where 
they feed nearer the ground. All the species capture their food of 
insects on the wing, their enormous mouths and the long, stiffened 
bristles, which in some species beset its base, especially adapting them 
to this mode of feeding. Many of the species are possessed of remark- 
able vocal powers, and their cries are among the most striking of bird 
notes. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. A white spot in the wing. 420. Nighthawk. 420<?. Florida Nighthawk. 

B. No white spot in the wing; primaries spotted with rufous. 

a. Wing under 7*50 : 417. Whip-poor-will. 

b. Wing over 7*50 416. Chuck-will's-widow. 

416. Antrostomus carolinensis (Omel.). Chuck-will's-widow. 

Ad. 6 . — Upper parts streaked with black and finely mottled with ochraceous- 
buffand black; primaries black, with broken rufous bars; tail mottled with 
black and ochraceous-buff, the end half of all but the two middle feathers 
white, more or less washed with bulfy on the inner vane ; under parts mot- 



NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC. 237 

tied with black, ochraceous, and cream-buff; an imperfect whitish band 
across the upper breast ; base of the bill beset with long, stiffened bristles, 
the basal half of these bristles grown with hairlike branches. Ad. 9 . — Similar, 
but with no white patches in the tail, the upper breast with an ochraceous- 
buff instead of white band. L., 12-00 ; W., 8'50 ; T., G'OO ; B., -40. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from North Carolina and Illinois 
southward; winters from our southern borders southward; accidental in 
Massachusetts. 

Cambridge, A. V., one record, Dec. 

Eggs, two, laid on the ground or leaves, in woods or thickets, dull white, 
with delicate, obscure pale lilac markings, and a few distinct brownish-gray 
spots, 1*40 x -98. 

Generally speaking, this species resembles the Whip-poor-will in 
habits. Its notes are quite similar to those of that species, but are 
louder, less rapidly uttered, and each call has an additional syllable. 
Its gape is enormous, the wide-open mouth of an adult measuring 
about two inches from corner to corner. For this reason it can swal- 
low large objects with ease, and both Hummingbirds and Sparrows 
have been found in Chuck-will's-widow's stomach. Perhaps they were 
mistaken for large moths. 

417. Antrostomus vociferus ( Wils.). Whip-poor-will. Ad. 6. 
— Upper parts streaked with black, the head finely mottled with black and 
white, the back mottled with ochraceous-buff and black; primaries black, 
with broken rufous bars ; tail irregularly barred with black and mottled with 
whitish or cream-buff; end half of three outer feathers white ; black on the 
outer vane of the outer feather extending farther down than on the others ; 
throat and breast blackish, finely mottled with cream-buff or ochraceous-buif ; 
a narrow white band across the upper breast; belly cream-buff, irregularly 
barred with blackish ; base of the bill beset with long, stiffened bristles, 
which are without hairlike branches. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but three outer tail- 
feathers narrowly tipped with ochraceous-buff"; band on the throat cream- 
buff instead of white. L., 9-75 ; W., 6-08 ; T., 4 65 ; B., '37. 

Range. — Eastern North America, north to New Brunswick and Manitoba; 
winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, common S. K., Apl. 15 to Oct. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
Apl. 19 to Oct. 17. Cambridge, common S. K., Apl. 28 to Sept. 20. 

Eggs, two, laid on the ground or leaves, in woods or thickets ; dull white, 
with delicate, obscure lilac markings and a few distinct brownish gray spots, 
1-18 x -84. 

In walking through rather densely grown woods I have sometimes 
been surprised by having a Whip-poor-will fly up from beneath my 
feet and disappear in the surrounding growth. I say surprised, be- 
cause the bird's flight is as noiseless as a moth's, and this unusual, 
ghostly silence is almost as startling as the whir of a Grouse. 

The Whip-poor-will's day begins when the sun goes down. Then 



238 NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC. 

he passes out into bushy fields near his home, and, flying low, catches 
his supper on the wing. Between courses he rests on some low perch, 
and gives utterance to the notes familiar to many who have never 
seen their author. Whip' -poor-iv ill', whip' -poor- will' he calls, rapidly 
and with unexpected snap and vigor. If one is quite near the singer, 
a preliminary chuck may be heard before each call. These notes are 
given for about two hours after sunset and for a short time before 
sunrise. 

It is a singular fact that, in spite of the marked difference in their 
habits and notes, the Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will are frequently 
considered to be the same species. It is not the only case, however, 
where the notes of some species difficult of observation have been 
attributed to a species whose habits render it conspicuous. 

420. Chordeiles virginianus (Gmel.). Nighthawk; Bull-bat. 

(See Fig. 38.) Ad. 6 .—Upper parts black, irregularly marked with whitish, 
cream-butt, or ochraceous-buii ; primaries fuscous, crossed in the middle by a 
conspicuous white bar which rarely reaches the outer vane of the first pri- 
mary ; tail fuscous or black, with broken bars of cream-bun and a white band 
near the end on all but the middle feathers ; throat with a broad white band; 
chin and upper breast black, the feathers tipped with ochraceous-buff, cream- 
buff, or white ; the rest of the under parts barred with black and white, some- 
times tinged with buff. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with no white on the tail, 
throat-patch ochraceous-buff, under parts more or less washed with ochra- 
ceous-buff. L., 10-00; W., 7"85; T.,4-60; B., -25. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Labra- 
dor; winters in South America. 

Washington, not common S. R. ; abundant T. V., Apl. 20 to Oct. Sing 
Sing, common S. R., May 9 to Oct. 11. Cambridge, not uncommon S. R., May 
15 to Sept. 25. 

Eggs, two, laid on the bare ground or a fiat rock in open fields, rarely on 
the roof of a house, dull white, evenly marked with small, irregularly shaped 
blotches or fine specklings of grayish brown or brownish gray, 1*20 x -86. 

In wooded regions the Nighthawk passes the day perched length- 
wise on a limb, but on the plains he roosts upon the ground, where his 
colors harmonize with his surroundings. 

Soon after sunset he mounts high in the air to course for insects. 
Batlike he flies erratically about, and at more or less regular intervals 
utters a loud nasal peent, this call being followed by two or three un- 
usually quick, flitting wing-beats. Long after the light has faded 
from the western horizon we may hear this voice from the starlit 
heavens, for the Nighthawk is one of our few truly nocturnal birds. 

Occasionally the peents are given more rapidly, and after calling 
several times in close succession the bird on half-closed wings dives 
earthward with such speed that one fears for his safety; but just 



SWIFTS. 239 

before the ground is reached he checks his rapid descent by an abrupt 
turn, and on leisurely wing again mounts upward to repeat this game 
of sky-coasting. At the moment the turn is made one may hear a 
rushing, booming sound, which, as writers have remarked, can be imi- 
tated in tone by blowing across the bung-hole of any empty barrel. It 
is made by the passage of the air through the bird's primaries. 

In late summer Nighthawks gather in large flocks and begin their 
southward migrations. When flying the white mark on their primaries 
is a conspicuous character, and has the appearance of being a hole in 
the bird's wing. 

420b. C. v. chapmani (Coues). Florida Nighthawk; Bull-bat. 
— Similar to the preceding, but smaller, and with the white and cream-buff 
markings of the upper parts more numerous. L., 8*60 ; W., 7'10 ; T., 4*10. 

Range. — Breeds in Florida and westward on the Gulf coast ; south in win- 
ter to South America. 

The Western Nighthawk (420a. C. v. henry i), a near relative of our spe- 
cies, has been recorded from Waukegan, 111. 



Family Micropodidje. Swifts. 

The seventy-five known species of Swifts are distributed through- 
out the greater part of the world. About one half this number are 
American, but only four are found in North America. Swifts are 
generally found associated in scattered companies, and when roosting 
or nesting are eminently gregarious. Hollow trees and caves are their 
natural retreats, but in some parts of the world chimneys are now used 
exclusively. 

They feed entirely while flying, and with their unusually long 
wings and small, compactly feathered bodies possess unrivaled powers 
of flight. Swifts are popularly confused with Swallows, but the re- 
semblance is only superficial and exists chiefly in the similarity of 
their feeding habits, while the structural differences between the two 
are numerous and important. 

423. Chsetura pelagica (Linn.). Chimney Swift ; Chimney 
"Swallow." (See Fig. 39.) Ad. — Entire plumage fuscous, more grayish on 
the throat : a sooty black spot before the eye ; shafts of the tail-feathers ex- 
tending beyond the vanes. L., 5-43 ; W., 4*94 ; T., 1*90 ; B. from N., -15. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador; win- 
ters in Central America. 

Washington, abundant S. K., Apl. 15 to Oct. 10. Sing Sing, common 
S. R., Apl. 19 to Oct, 23. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 25 to Sept. 20. 

Nest, a bracketlike basket of dead twigs glued together with saliva; at- 
tached to the wall of a chimney, generally about ten feet from the top, by 



240 HUMMINGBIRDS. 

the gummy secretion of the bird's salivary glands. Eggs, four to six, white, 
•80 x -50. 

It is unnecessary to give any aids to the identification of a bird as 
well known as the Chimney Swift, or, as it is more frequently called, 
" Chimney Swallow." It is not, however, a Swallow, but a Swift, and 
its structural relations are with the Hummingbirds and not with the 
Passerine Swallows. 

Few sights in the bird-world are more familiar than the bow-and- 
arrow-like forms of these rapidly flying birds silhoueted against the sky. 
They are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, 
when one may hear their rolling twitter as they course about overhead. 
Sometimes they sail with wings held aloft over their backs, and some- 
times, it is said, they use their wings alternately. It is a common 
thing to see a trio of birds flying together, but it has never been ascer- 
tained that the Chimney Swift is polygamous. 

In some localities Chimney Swifts congregate in large flocks, mak- 
ing their headquarters in a disused chimney which morning and even- 
ing they leave and return to in a body. In perching they cling to the 
side of the chimney, using the spine-pointed tails, as Woodpeckers do, 
for a support. The habit of frequenting chimneys is, of course, a 
recent one, and the substitution of this modern, artificial home for 
hollow trees, illustrates the readiness with which a bird may take ad- 
vantage of a favoring change in its environment. 

Family Trochilid^e. Hummingbirds. 

Hummingbirds are found only in the New World. About five 
hundred species are known. They range from Alaska to Patagonia, 
but are most numerous in the Andean regions of Colombia and Ecua- 
dor. Seventeen species are found in the United States ; only eight of 
these advance beyond our Mexican border States, and but one species 
occurs east of the Mississippi. 

Several species inhabit the depths of dark tropical forests, but as 
a rule they are found with the flowers which bloom in the clearings, 
or far overhead in the sunlight. They are not gregarious, but an 
abundance of food sometimes brings large numbers of them together, 
when the air becomes animated with their rapidly moving forms. 
The smaller species fly so swiftly that their wings are lost in hazy cir- 
cles, and it is difficult for the human eye to follow their course. The 
flight of the larger species is less insectlike, and each wing-beat can 
be detected. As a rule their voice is a weak squeak or excited chip- 
pering, but some of the tropical species have songs of decided charac- 
ter which they sing with much energy. 

Hummingbirds feed largely on insects, which they generally cap- 



HUMJVI INGBIRDS. 241 

ture in flowers, but many species catch insects on the wing or pick 
them from beneath leaves. They also feed on the juices of flowers. 
All the species whose nesting habits are known lay two white eggs. 

Strangely enough, these beautiful little creatures are possessed of a 
most unfortunate disposition which frequently leads them to attack 
any bird they fancy is trespassing on their domain. They know no 
fear, and w T ith equal courage rush at one of their kind or a passing 
Hawk. 

428* Trochilus colubris (Zinn.). ^11uby-triioatet> Hummingbird. 
(See Fig. 40.) Ad. a.— Upper parts bright, shining green; wings and tail 
fuscous, with purplish reflections ; throat beautiful metallic ruby-red, bor- 
dered on the breast by whitish ; re'st of the under parts dusky, washed with 
greenish on the sides. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but without ruby -red on the throat. 
Im. — Similar to the female, but with the upper parts more bronzy. L., 3*74 ; 
W., 1-54 ; T., 1-15 ; B., 67. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from Florida to Labrador ; win- 
ters from southern Florida to Central America. 

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Sept Sing Sing, common S. R., 
Apl. 30 to Oct 3. Cambridge, uncommon S. R., May 12 to Sept 

Nest, of plant down, covered externally with lichens and firmly wound 
with almost invisible plant fibers ; generally fifteen to twenty-five feet from 
the ground, saddled on a limb. Eggs, two, white, *50 x -35. 

The Ruby-throat needs no song. Its beauty gives it distinction, 
and its wings make music. Its only note, so far as I know, is a 
squeak, expressive of distrust or excitement. It has no rival in eastern 
North America, and is to be confounded with nothing but sphinx (hum- 
mingbird) moths. One hears of " Hummingbirds " seen in the evening 
about flower beds. The mistake is not unnatural, and a correction is 
sometimes received with incredulity. The birds spend but a com- 
paratively small part of the time upon the wing. Whoever watches a 
female busy about her nest will see her constantly perching here and 
there in certain branches of the tree, preening her plumage and look- 
ing about her. The male, at the same season, forgetful, to all appear- 
ance, of his conjugal and parental duties, may be found at home day 
after day on a dead twig in some tall tree, where he sits so constantly 
as to make the observer wonder what he can be about, and when, if 
ever, he takes his food. Further investigation, however, will show 
that he makes frequent and regular rounds of favorite feeding places. 
A tall blueberry bush, for example, will be visited at short intervals 
as long as the observer has patience to stand beside it. The Hum- 
mingbird is curiously fearless. Sometimes one will probe a flower 
held in the hand, and when they fly into houses, as they pretty often 
do, they manifest but the smallest degree of suspicion, and will feed 
almost at once upon sugar held between the lips. The old bird feeds 
17 



242 FLYCATCHERS. 

the young by regurgitation — a frightful-looking act— the food consist- 
ing largely of minute insects. The young remain in the nest for some 
three weeks, and on leaving it are at once at home on the wing. 

Bradford Torre y. 



ORDER PASSERES. PERCHING BIRDS. 

Family Tyrannid^e. Flycatchers. 

From the systematist's standpoint Flycatchers are songless Perch- 
ing Birds. It does not follow that they are voiceless, or even truly 
songless, but that, having the voice-organ or syrinx less highly devel- 
oped than other Passeres, they are possessed of comparatively limited 
vocal powers. This family is peculiar to America. The Old- World 
Flycatchers belong to the family M use icap idee and are true Oscines. 
Some three hundred and fifty species are known. They are most abun- 
dant in the tropics, where their services as insect-catchers are in great- 
est demand. About thirty-five species reach the United States. 

Flycatchers are found wherever there are trees. As a rule they are 
of sedentary and solitary disposition. Their manner of feeding is 
characteristic. From a favorable perch, hawklike, they await passing 
insects, and with an aim that rarely misses launch forth into the air ; 
there is a sharp, suggestive click of the broad bill, and, completing 
their aerial circle, they return to their perch and are again en garde. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Wing over 3-00. 

A. Tail black or blackish, sometimes tipped with white, a concealed orange- 

red crown patch. 

a. Under wing-coverts yellowish, no white tip on the tail. 

445. Gray Kingbird. 

b. Under wing-coverts blackish, tail tipped with white . 444. Kingbird. 

B. Inner vane of tail-feathers pale rufous ; throat and breast grayish ; 

belly sulphur-yellow 452. Crested Flycatcher. 

C. Tail fuscous, not tipped with white ; no crown patch. 

a. Entire bill black; tail rarely more than -50 longer than wing; tarsus 
decidedly longer than bill; under tail-coverts always pale, yellowish 
white 456. Phcebe. 

b. Under mandible generally in whole or part pale brownish; wing 
always more than '50 longer than tail; tarsus about equal to bill; 
Borne of under tail-coverts frequently with darker centers. 

b l . Wing over 8*50; sides and breast, except a narrow whitish line 
through its center, of the same color as the back. 

451). Olive-sided Flycatcher. 
b*. Wing under 3'50; breast and sides washed with olive-irray. 

461. Wood Pewee. 






FLYCATCHERS. 243 

II. Wing under 3*00. 

A. Upper parts between olive-brown and dark olive-green, but with an 

evident brownish tinge, or lower mandible brownish. 

a. Wing over 2-60 ; lower mandible flesh-color or whitish ; under parts 
with only a very slight tinge of yellow . 466a. Traill's Flycatcher. 

b. Wing under 2*60; lower mandible rarely clear fiesh-color; generally 
strongly tinged with brownish 467. Least Flycatcher. 

B. Upper parts olive-green without a brownish tinge; lower mandible 

straw-color. 

a. First primary about equal to fifth ; under parts white, slightly washed 
with yellowish on the breast and belly ; throat white. 

465. Acadian Flycatcher. 

b. First primary shorter than fifth ; under parts sulphur-yellow ; the 
throat and breast more or less washed with olive-green. 

463. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 

The Fork-tailed Flycatcher (44%- Milvulus tyrannus), a South Amer- 
ican species rarely found north of southern Mexico and the southern Lesser 
Antilles, has been recorded from Mississippi, Kentucky, and New Jersey. 

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (44$- Milvulus forjicatus) is found in 
the summer as far north as southern Kansas and western Louisiana. It has 
occurred accidentally near Hudson Bay, in Manitoba, Ontario, Connecticut, 
New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida. It may be known by its long, deeply 
forked tail and scarlet sides. 

444. Tyrannus tyrannus {Linn.). Kingbird. Ad.— Upper parts 
grayish slate-color, darker on the head and upper tail-coverts ; head with a 
concealed orange-red crest ; tail black, tipped with white ; under parts white, 
washed with grayish on the breast. Ira. — Similar, but without the crown 
patch, and with the plumage more or less tinged with ochraceous-buff. L., 
8-51 ; W., 4-64 ; T., 3'55 ; B. from N., *55. 

Range. — North America north to New Brunswick and Manitoba ; rare 
west of the Eocky Mountains ; winters in Central and South America. 

AVashington, common S. K., Apl. 20 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. K., 
Apl. 29 to Sept. 10. Cambridge, abundant S. K., May 5 to Sept. 1. 

Xest, compact and symmetrical, of weed-stalks, grasses, and moss lined 
with plant-down, fine grasses, and rootlets, generally at the extremity of a 
branch fifteen to twenty-five feet up. Eggs, three to five, white, spotted with 
umber, 1-00 x -73. 

The Kingbird is most frequently seen on a fence or a dead twig on 
a tree, where leaves do not come in the way of his sight. He stands 
very upright, like a Hawk or an Owl, and, though as. quiet as if he 
had nothing to do, he is keenly awake to every movement about him, 
and every few minutes he dashes into the air, seizes a passing insect, 
and returns to the spot from which he started. While his mate is 
sitting he usually establishes himself near the nesting tree, and spends 
hour after hour in this apparently monotonous way, varying it only to 



24i FLYCATCHERS. 

relieve her by watching the nest, and thus give her an opportunity to 
seek food for herself. I never saw a Kingbird either assist in brooding 
or carry food to his mate, but his manners to her are most affection- 
ate, and he is untiring in his labors in the feeding of the young. 

This bird is accused of being quarrelsome and aggressive to other 
birds, and his scientific name means Tyrant Flycatcher, but in my 
study of his ways I have found him less aggressive than are most birds 
in the neighborhood of their nest. With the exception of the Crow, 
against whom he seems to have a special grudge, I have never seen a 
Kingbird take notice of any bird unless he alighted near his nest, and 
the meekest creature that wears feathers will try to drive away stran- 
gers who approach that sacred spot. 

The calls and cries of the Kingbird arc generally loud and attract- 
ive, if not particularly musical, but while his mate is sitting— and pos- 
sibly at other times — he indulges in a soft and very pleasing song, 
which I have heard only in the very early morning. 

Olive Tiiorne Miller. 

445. Tyrannus dominicensis (GhneL). Gray Kingbird. A<L 
Upper parts ashy gray ; a concealed orange-red crown patch; wings and tail 
fuscous; under wing-coverts pale sulphur-yellow; under parts white, tinged 
with grayish an the breast. L., 9-00; W., 4-00; T., 8*50; P>. from N., -80. 

Range. — Breeds from the coast of South Carolina southward through 
Florida and the Greater Antilles; winters in the Lesser Antilles, Mexico, and 
Central America; accidental in Massachusetts. 

Nest) of grass and weeds, lined with line grass and rootlets, in bushes. 
Eggs, tour, deep salmon, irregularly spotted and blotched with umber and 
lilac, 1-00 x -75 (Maynard). 

The Gray Kingbird is a common summer resident of parts of our 
South Atlantic; Stales, arriving early in May. It resembles the King- 
bird in appearance, but lacks the white band at the end of the tail, 
and has quite different notes. Its usual call is a vigorous pitlii-i, 
pitlrri, which in Cuba gives it its common name. 

The Arkansas Kingbird (447. Tyrannus verticalis), a western species, 

has been taken in Iowa, District of Columbia, Maine, New Jersey, and New 
York. 

452. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.), ("rested Flycatcher; Great 

Chested Flycatcher. Ad. — Upper parts grayish brown, washed with olive- 
£\vv\\ ; outer vane of primaries margined with pale rufous; inner vane of b\\ 
but the middle tail-feathers pale rufous; throat and breast pearl-gray; belly 
sulphur-yellow. L., 9*01; W., 4-14; T., 3-75; B. from N., '62. 

Range. Breeds from Florida to New Brunswick; winters from southern 

Florida to Central America. 

Washington, very common S. R., A pi. 26 to Sept. Sing Sing, common 
S. U., May 7 to Sept. 12. Cambridge, uncommon S. K., May 15 to Aug. 



■< ■ 




I j 1st Flycatcher. 
Phcebe. 




FLYCATCHERS. 245 

Nest, of grasses, twigs, and rootlets, with generally a pieee of a cast snake 
skin, in a hole in a tree, generally ies* than twenty feet up. Eggs, thr&e to 
.six, creamy white, streaked longitudinally with chocolate, '90 x '08. 

During the spring migration each day brings its own surprise and 

pleasure. The hare, silent, woods where I walked alone, before an: 
now astir with flitting wings and ringing with glad music Bach 
morning I hurry out, full 
of eager ant icipation, to be 

thrilled by the, greeting of 
some old friend come home 

again. 

There are red-let ter days, 
however, even in this calen- 
dar. Hark ! from the woods 
a loud whistle pierces far 
through the clearing. The 
Great-crest has come 1 Fio. 75.— Crested Flycatcher. (Natural size.) 

I break away from the 
confusing chorus of small voices and hurry off to the woods for the 

first sight of the distinguished bird. Full of lite and vigor, he, flies 
about in the green tree tops, chattering to himself or calling loudly 
as lie goes. 

Not many days pass, however, before lie, is so taken up with do- 
mestic matters that his voice is rarely heard outside the woods. Is he" 
engaged in his famous pursuit— hunting snake skins to line Jus nest? 
Absorbed in my daily round of nest calls, I cherish the memory of 
each passing glimpse of him. Now I see him launch from a bass- 
wood top, with wings and tail spread, to sail down through the air, 
his tail glowing rc<\ against the light,. Again, when looking for a, ran; 
Warbler, his calls arrest me. In the dead top of the highest tree in 
sight I find him with his male. With crests raised, the, handsome 
birds chase each other about the bare branches. Tired of that, they 
explore the old Woodpecker's holes in the trunk, and one of them 
walks out of sight down a hollow limb. A Blackbird lights in the 
tree, and the Great-crest above becomes so agitated that I am con- 
vinced his mate lias gone to her nest, when lo ! both Ply Catchers are 
oft and away to another of the great trees that overtop the forest. 

Florence A. Mi; r imam. 

456. Sayornis phoebe (Lot k, ). Ph<ebe. (See Fig. 42.) Ad.— -Up- 
per parte grayish brown with an olive-green cast; crown distinctly darker, 
fuscous; wings and tail fuscous, winjf-hars not conspicuous; outer vane of 

outer tail-feather white or yellowish white, except at the tip; under part-, 
white, more or less washed with yellowish, and tinged with hrownish £rray 



24(5 FLYCATCHERS. 

on the breast and sides ; bill black. Im. — Similar, but upper parts more olive, 
under parts more yellow, and wing-bars more distinct. L., 6*99; W., 3-38; 
T., 2-95; B. from N., -41. 

Remarks.— The Phoebe's principal distinguishing characters are its fus~ 
OOUS crown-cap, white outer vane of the outer tail-feather, and blackish lower 
mandible. 

iuiiuje. — Eastern North America; breeds from South Carolina to New- 
foundland and Manitoba, and winters from North Carolina to Cuba and 
Mexico. 

Washington, common S. R., Mch. 5 to Oct.; occasionally winters. Sing 
Sing, common S. K., Mch. 14 to Oct. 29. Cambridge, common S. R., Mch. 25 
to Oct. 10. 

Nest, bulky, largely moss and mud lined with grasses and long hairs, on 
a beam or rafter, under a bridge or bank. Eggs^ four to six, white, rarely 
with a few cinnamon-brown spots, "78 x "59, 

There is something familiar, trustful, and homelike in the Phoebe's 
ways which has won him an undisputed place in our affections. With 
an assurance born of many welcomes he returns each year to his perch 
on the bridge-rail, barnyard gate, or piazza, and contentedly sings his 
humble, monotonous pewit phcebe, pewit phcebe — a hopelessly tune- 
less performance, but who that has heard it in early spring when the 
" pussy willow" seems almost to purr with soft blossoms, will not 
affirm that Phcebe touches chords dumb to more ambitious songsters ! 

Sometimes Phcebe is inspired to greater effort, and, springing into 
the air on fluttering wings, he utters more phwbe.s in a few seconds 
than he would sing ordinarily in an hour. 

Phoebe is a devoted parent, and is rarely found far from home. 
His nest seems to be the favorite abode of an innumerable swarm of 
parasites which sometimes cause the death of his offspring, and when 
rearing a second family he changes his quarters. 

No other Flycatcher winters in numbers in our Southern States, 
and Phoebes 5 notes heard in January in the heart of a Florida k> hum- 
mock " seem strangely out of place. 

Say's Phoebe i f57. Sayomis say a), a western species, is of accidental 

occurrence cast of the Mississippi. It has been found in northern Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Iowa, and, more recently, on ('ape Cod, Massachusetts (Miller, 
Auk, vii, L890, p. 228). 

459. Contopus borealis {Swains.), Olive-sided Flycatcher. Ad. 
— Upper parts between fuscous and dark olive ; wings and tail fuscous; throat, 
middle of the belly, and generally a narrow line on the center of the breast 
white or yellowish white; rest of the under parts of nearly the same color as 
the hack ; under tail coverts marked with dusky ; a tuft of fluffy, yellowUkr 
whiti feathers on either Hank; upper mandible black, lower mandible yel- 
lowish or pale grayish brown, the tip darker. Int. -Similar, but with rather 



FLYCATCHERS. 247 

more olive above, more yellow below, and with the wing-coverts edged with 
ochraceoua-butf. L., 7'39 ; W., 4-05 ; T., 2-70 ; B. from N., -54. 

Remarks. — This species may always be known from our other Flycatchers 
by the comparatively little white on the under parts, and by the tuft of yel- 
lowish-white feathers on the flanks. Like the Wood Pewee, it has the wing 
•50 or more longer than the tail. 

Range. — Breeds from Massachusetts and Minnesota northward, and south- 
ward in Allcghanies to North Carolina; winters in tropics. 

Washington, casual T. V., one instance, Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably com- 
mon T. V., May 20 ; Aug. 15 to Sept. 16. Cambridge, T. V., May 20 to May 
30 ; Aug. ; formerly not uncommon S. R. 

AM, of twigs and moss, in coniferous trees, about twenty-five feet up, near 
the extremity of a limb. Eggs, three to five, vinaceous-white, spotted, chiefly 
about the larger end, with distinct and obscure rufous markings, -85 x -62. 

I have seen the Olive-sided Flycatcher only during the migrations, 
when I look for it on the topmost limb of some high, dead, woodland 
tree — a commanding position from which it may view its surround- 
ings. Even at a distance it impresses one as being a stout, stocky bird, 
with a head too large for its body. 

During the summer they live among pines or cedars, and are de- 
scribed by Colonel Goss as " bold, quarrelsome, and tyrannical, zeal- 
ously guarding any chosen locality, where they will be found perched 
upon the tops of the tallest trees, from which they swoop down upon 
the passing insects, and often repeat their plaintive pu-pu or pu-pip, 
the males occasionally uttering a loud, whistling call-note." 

461. Contopus virens (Linn,). Wood Pewee. Ad.— Upper parts 
very dark, between olive and fuscous, with sometimes a tinge of dark olive- 
green ; wings and tail fuscous ; wing-coverts tipped with whitish, forming 
two more or less distinct wing-bars ; under parts white or yellowish white, 
washed with olive-gray on the sides of the throat and breast, and, to a less 
extent, on the center of breast; upper mandible black; lower mandible yel- 
lowish or brownish, the tip frequently darker. 7m. — Similar, but yellower 
below, the wing-coverts edged with cream-buff'. L., 6*53 ; W., 3*34; T., 2*62; 
B. from N., -42. 

Remarks. — The Wood Pewee and the Olive-sided Flycatcher differ from 
our other Flycatchers in having the wings decidedly longer than the tail, 
and in their short tarsi. From the species of the genus Empidonax they may 
be known by these characters and their darker, more fuscous coloration. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland; 
winters in Central America. 

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
May 10 to Oct. 2. Cambridge, common S. R., May 18 to Sept. 10. 

Nest, compact and symmetrical, of fine grasses, rootlets, moss, etc., thickly 
covered with lichens, saddled on a limb, twenty to forty feet up. Eggs, three 
to four, white, with a wreath of distinct and obscure umber markings about 
the larger end, *6S x -54. 



248 FLYCATCHERS. 

To thoroughly appreciate how well the Pewee's disposition is 
suited to his haunts and notes, we have only to imagine him taking 
the Phoebe's place and singing the Phoebe's song. He was not in- 
tended to adorn a bridge or barn, but in the darkened woods, high up 
in the trees, he finds a congenial home. 

His pensive, gentle ways are voiced by his sad, sweet call : 
.0. The notes are as musical and restful, as much a part 

4— £. fc of Nature's hymn, as the soft humming of a brook. 

p — -^^- *-■ All day long the Pewee sings ; even when the heat 

I, Z of summer silences more vigorous birds and the 

Pee-a - wee midday sun sends light-shafts to the ferns, the 

clear, sympathetic notes of the retiring songster come from the green 
canopy overhead, in perfect harmony with the peace and stillness of 
the hour. 

463. Empidonax flaviventris Baird. Yellow-bellied Fly- 
catcher. Ad. — Upper parts rather dark olive-green; wings and tail fus- 
cous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tipped with white or yellowish white; 
under parts sulphur-yellow, the belly pure, the throat, breast, and sides more 
or less washed with olive-green; upper mandible black, lower mandible 
whitish or flesh-color ; second to fourth primaries of equal length, the first 
shorter than the fifth. Irn. — Yellow of the under parts brighter, wing-bars 
more yellow, and sometimes tinged with pale ochraceous-buflf. L., 5-63 ; W. 
2-65 ; T., 2-16 ; B. from N., '33. 

Remarks. — This is the most yellow of our small Flycatchers. In any plum- 
age the entire under parts, including the throat, are sulphur-yellow or dusky 
yellowish. In the other eastern species of this genus the throat is white. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Berkshire County, Mass., 
to Labrador ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, rather common T. V., May 1 to May 31 ; Aug. 1 to Oct. 1. 
Sing Sing, common T. V., May 17 to June 4; Aug. 8 to Sept. 20. Cambridge, 
T. V., sometimes rather common, May 24 to June 5 ; Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. 

JVest, of moss, lined with grasses, on the ground, beneath the roots of a 
tree or imbedded in moss. Eggs, four, creamy white, with numerous pale cin- 
namon-brown markings, chiefly about the larger end, -08 x -54. 

To see this little Flycatcher at his best, one must seek the northern 
evergreen forest, where, far from human habitation, its mournful 
notes blend with the murmur of some icy brook tumbling over mossy 
stones or gushing beneath the still mossier decayed logs that threaten 
to bar its way. Where all is green and dark and cool, in some glen 
overarched by crowding spruces and firs, birches and maples, there it is 
we find him, and in the beds of damp moss he skillfully conceals his 
nest. He sits erect on some low twig, and, like other Flycatchers, the 
snap of his bill tells of a sally after his winged prey. He glides 
quietly away when approached, and his occasional note of complaint 



FLYCATCHERS. 2-49 

may be heard as long as one remains in his vicinity. During the mi- 
gration this species is silent and its several distinctive notes are not 
available for its identification, and the same thing may be said of our 
other small Flycatchers. Great similarity in plumage exists between 
them all, and without the bird in hand identifications are at best 
questionable. 

The song is more suggestive of a sneeze on the bird's part than of 
any other sound with which it may be compared. It is an abrupt 
p$e-ek\ almost in one explosive syllable, harsh like the deeper tones 
of a House Wren, and less musical than the similar but longer songs 
of Traill's or the Acadian Flycatcher. It is hardly surprising that the 
birds sing very little when we see with what a convulsive jerk of the 
head the notes are produced, Its plaintive call is far more melodious 
— a soft, mournful whistle consisting of two notes, the second higher 
pitched and prolonged, with rising inflection, resembling in a measure 
chu-e-e'-p. J. D wight, Jr. 

465* Empidonax virescens ( VieilL)* Acadian Flycatcher. 
Ad. —Upper parts between olive-green and dark olive-green ; wings and tail 
fuscous ; greater and lesser wing -coverts yellowish white, forming two con- 
spicuous wing- bars; under parts white, washed with pale yellowish and 
slightly tinged with greenish on the breast ; the throat, and frequently the 
middle of the belly, pure white; upper mandible black, lower mandible whit- 
ish or flesh-color ; second to fourth primaries of about equal length, the first 
and fifth shorter and also of equal length. Im. — Upper parts greener; under 
parts more tinged with yellow ; wing-bars and outer edges of the tips of the 
secondaries ochraceous-buff. L., 5*75 ; W., 2*85 ; T., 2-35 ; B. from N., -36. 

Remarks. — This species has the upper parts fully as olive-green as the 
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, but the under parts are never entirely yellow, and 
the throat is always white. 

Range. — Eastern United States ; breeds from Florida to southern Connect- 
icut and Manitoba ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, common S. K., May 5 to Sept. 15. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
May 10 to Aug. 27. 

Nest, shallow, of plant stems, grasses, and blossoms, generally on a fork ' 
of a beech about eight feet up. Eggs, two to three, creamy white, with a few 
cinnamon-brown spots about the larger end, -74 x -56. 

Look for the Acadian Flycatcher in woodlands watered by small 
streams. It selects a low rather than a high perch, and is rarely seen 
more than twenty feet from the ground. The frequently uttered calis 
of this bird are characteristic and will enable you to identify it with 
more ease in the field than in the study. The most common is a sin- 
gle spee or peet, repeated at short intervals and accompanied by a 

* Equivalent to Empidonax acadicus of authors ; see Brewster, Auk, xii, 

April, 1S05. 



250 FLYCATCHERS. 

rapid twitching of the tail. A more peculiar note is a louder pee-e- 
yiik. The bird seems to articulate this note with difficulty, with bill 
pointed upward and wings trembling like a fledgling begging for food. 
Sometimes you may hear only the first call, sometimes only the 
second, while on other occasions the two may be uttered alternately. 
A rarer note may be heard when the bird makes a short, fluttering 
flight. It resembles the soft murmuring of whistling wings. 

466a. Empidonax traillii (A / A Traill's Flycatcher. Ad — 
Upper parts between olive-green and olive or olive-brown \. ; wings and tail 
fuscous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tipped with brownish ashy; under 
parts whitish, washed with dusky grayish on the breast and sides and pale 
yellowish on the belly ; throat pure white ; upper mandible black, lower 
mandible whitish or flesh-color. Im, — Similar, but wing-bars oehraceous- 
buff and under parts slightly yellower. L., (KM) ; \\\, W J-S7 ; T., 2*33; B. from 
N., -35. 

Kemarhs. — This is the brownest of our small Flycatchers. The upper 
parts have an evident tinge of brown or olive-brown, a color entirely want- 
ing in the Acadian and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. In this respect it resem- 
bles the much smaller Least Flycatcher. 

Range. — North America; breeds from Arizona, Missouri, southern Illinois, 
northern New England, and casually Connecticut, north to New Brunswick 
and Alaska ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, irregularly common T. V., May 10 to May 28; Aug. 15 to 
Sept. 25. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 19 to May 31 ; Aug. 29. Cambridge, 
rare T. V., May 25 to May 31 ; Aug. 

Nest, of coarse grasses, plant down, and plant libers, lined with line grasses, 
in the crotch of a small bush or sapling near the ground. Eggs, three to 
four, creamy white, with cinnamon-brown markings about the larger end, 
•73 x -54. 

While the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is distinctively a bird c f the 
deep woods, this more abundant Flycatcher in its summer home re- 
sorts to the alder patches of the open country and is seldom found far 
from their protecting shade. It flits restlessly about, keeping well out 
of sight below the waving tops of the bushes, and its presence is be- 
trayed only by a single pep of alarm that in no way resembles the 
mournful wail of the species just mentioned. It, too. is silent when 
migrating, and on its breeding grounds sings but little, so that if it 
did not take pains to call out to every one who passes it would not he 
noticed among the rustling alders. The song: most resembles that of 
the Acadian Flycatcher, an PP-zPP'-P-up. with stress on the rasping 
zH % the latter part more musical. The performer jerks out the notes 
rapidly, doubling himself up and fairly vibrating with the explosive 
effort. J. Dwight, Jr. 

Note.— In The Auk for April, 1805, Mr. William Brewster shows that the spe- 
cific name pusillus (Swains!), hitherto applied to the western form of this Fly- 



FLYCATCHERS. 251 

catcher, is not identifiable. Muscicapa traillii was described by Audubon from 
Arkansas, and Mr. Brewster considers specimens from Arkansas and the Mis- 
sissippi Valley south of latitude 42° as inseparable from those inhabiting the 
region westward to the Pacific, to which he would therefore apply the name 
Kmpidoriax traillii. In brief, the form previously known as E. pusillus becomes 
E. traillii, and the Mississippi Valley birds south of latitude 42°, which formerly 
were considered the same as those from the Atlantic States, are placed with the 
western rather than the eastern bird. This course leaves the eastern bird with- 
out a name, and Mr. Brewster proposes to call it Empidonax traillii alnorum ; 
Alder Flycatcher. 

Western specimens average somewhat browner than eastern ones, and have 
slightly larger bills, but, in my opinion, the differences are too slight to warrant 
their continued separation, and I would apply the name traillii to both. 

467. Empidonax minimus Baird. Least Flycatcher ; Chebec. 
Ad. — Upper parts between olive-green and olive or olive-brown ; wings and 
tail fuscous ; greater and lesser wing-coverts tinged with ashy white ; under 
parts whitish, washed with dusky grayish on the breast and sides and gen- 
erally with a slight tinge of yellowish on the belly ; lower mandible generally 
horn-color. Im. — Under parts slightly more yellow. L., 5*41 ; W., 2-51 ; T., 
2-21 ; B. from N., -31. 

Remarks. — This is the smallest of our Flycatchers. Its size, the compara- 
tive absence of yellow on the under parts, and the generally horn-colored or 
brown lower mandible are its chief distinguishing characters. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from Pennsylvania to Quebec, and 
southward in Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters in tropics. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 25 ; Aug. 28 to Sept. 25. Sing 
Sing, tolerably common S. K., Apl. 25 to Aug. 26. Cambridge, abundant 
S. R, May 1 to Aug. 25. 

. Nest, of plant down, plant fibers, rootlets, fine strips of bark, and long 
hairs, generally in a crotch five to fifteen feet up. Eggs, three to five, white, 
unmarked, -63 x 51. 

When music was distributed, I believe most of our Flycatchers had 
back seats. It was an unfortunate circumstance, for their sedentary 
habits and apparently thoughtful, serious, even poetic dispositions 
make one believe that with proper training they might have taken 
high rank as musicians. 

Instead of the simple melody we might expect to hear from the 
modest Least Flycatcher, he salutes us with a singularly inappropriate, 
business-like chebec, chebec, varying the performance by murderous 
sallies after passing insects. In crescendo passages he literally rises to 
the occasion, and on trembling wings sings an absurd " chebec, tooral- 
ooral, chebec, tooral-ooral," with an earnestness deserving better results. 

The Chebec, however, possesses originality; we can not confuse his 
voice with that of any other bird, and young ornithologists should 
give him a vote of thanks for his clear enunciation. 

He prefers fruit and shade trees to those of forest growth, and is 
therefore an inhabitant of our lawns and orchards. 



252 LARKS. 



Family Alaudid^j. Larks. 

The Horned Larks are the only representatives of this family found 
in America. About one hundred species, of which the Skylark is the 
best known, are found in the Old- World. 

They are terrestrial birds, generally colored in harmony with their 
haunts, and, except during the nesting season, are usually found in 
flocks. 

474. Otocoris alpestris* (Linn.). Horned Lark; Shore Lark. 

Ad. <5 . — Forehead, line over the eye, ear region, and throat sulphur-yellow ; 
fore part of the crown, a tuft of elongated feathers on either side of the head, 
a mark from the bill below the eye and then downward to the side of the 
throat, and a patch on the breast black ; back of the head and neck and rump 
vinaceous, more or less washed with grayish brown ; back grayish brown, edged 
with brownish ash and tinged with vinaceous ; wing-coverts deep vinaceous ; 
tail black, the outer vanes of the outer feathers margined with white, the middle 
feathers broadly margined with brownish and vinaceous; lower breast and belly 
white, the former more or less soiled w r ith dusky spots ; sides vinaceous. Ad. 9 . 
— Similar, but the markings, especially those of the head, less sharply defined, 
neck less vinaceous, etc. Fall and winter specimens. — Similar, but with the 
black markings veiled by yellowish or whitish tips to the feathers. L., 7*75 ; 
" W., 4-27 ; T., 2-84 ; B. from N., -40 " (Dwight). 

Range. — Breeds in " northern Europe, Greenland, Newfoundland, Labra- 
dor, and Hudson Bay region ; southward in winter into eastern United States 
to about lat. 35° " (Dwight). 

Washington, common W. V., Nov. to Mch. or Apl. Sing Sing, casual 
W. V. Cambridge, common T. V., Oct. 25 to Nov. 25 ; Mch. 25 to Apl. 5. 

Nest, of grasses, on the ground. Eggs, three to four, pale bluish or greenish 
white, minutely and evenly speckled with pale grayish brown, -84 x -60. 

These hardy birds visit us in flocks in the winter. They frequent 
the vicinity of the seacoast or large, flat, open tracts in the interior, 
and are rarely found in well-wooded regions. They are terrestrial, 
and may be seen running over the snow or barren ground in scattered 
companies. They take wing with a sharp, whistled note, and seek 
fresh fields or, hesitating, finally swing about and return to near the 
spot from which they were flushed. They are sometimes found asso- 
ciated with Snowflakes, and flocks may contain numbers of our resi- 
dent Shore Lark, 0. a. praticola. 

474b. O. a. praticola IFensh. Prairie Horned Lark. — Similar 
to the preceding species, but smaller and somewhat paler, with the forehead 
and line over the eye white instead of yellow, the throat but slightly tinged 

* See an important paper on the relationships and distribution of the Ameri- 
can representatives of this genus, by Dr. J. Dwight, Jr., in The Auk, vii, 1890» 
pp. 138-158. 



CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 



253 



with yellow, and sometimes entirely white. L., 7'25 ; " W., 4*08 ; T., 2-86 ; B. 
from N., -37" (D wight). 

Range.— Breeds in the upper Mississippi Valley eastward through .New 
York. to western Massachusetts and Long Island. 

Washington, common W. V., Oct. 25 to Apl. 

This is one of the birds that has changed its range since the settle- 
ment of America. It is properly a species of the prairies and open 
barrens, but since the once-continuous forest of the older States and 
provinces has been broken up, it 
has made its appearance in the east, 
wherever the country is suited to 
its requirements. 

It is strictly a ground bird, never 
perching on trees, though it com- 
monly alights on the top of a fence 
post or other low, level surface. 
When encountered on a pathway it 
often runs before the pedestrian, 
after the manner of the Vesper 
Sparrow, from which bird, however, 
it may be distinguished by the 
black feathers in its tail, by its chocolate back, and by the black marks 
on its face ; also by the fact that it runs, but does not hop, and when 
it flies it usually utters a whistle, whereas the Vesper Sparrow invari- 
ably flies off in silence. 

Its chief song is poured forth in the air as it soars aloft, like a Sky- 
lark ; but it often utters this same song while perched on some clod or 
stone, especially just before dawn and after sunset, as well as in the 
springtime, while the snow is yet on the ground. — Ernest E. Thompson. 

European Skylarks (473. Alauda arvensis) have been introduced several 
times in this country. In 1887 a small colony had become established near 
Flatbush, Long Island, where a nest with young was found. (See Dutcher, 
Auk, v, 1888, p. 180.) After a supposed extinction a singing bird and nest 
were observed in July, 1S95. (See Proctor, Auk, xii, Oct., 1895.) 




Fig. 76. 



-Prairie Horned Lark, 
ural size.) 



(Nat- 



Family Corvidje. Crows, Jays, etc. 

The Corvidce are represented in all parts of the world except New 
Zealand. They number about two hundred species, of which twenty- 
five are found in North America. 

Our Crows and Jays inhabit wooded regions, and, although migra- 
tory to a limited extent, are resident throughout the year, except at 
the northern limits of their range. They are omnivorous feeders, 
taking fruits, seeds, insects, eggs, nestlings, etc. 



254 CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 

Crows and Jays exhibit marked traits of character and are possessed 
of unusual intelligence. Some systematists place them at the top of 
the Avian tree, and, if their mental development be taken into con- 
sideration, they have undoubted claims to this high rank. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Plumage black. 

a. Wing about 15*00; bill over 2-50 486a. Eaven. 

- b. Wing about 13*00; bill about 2-00. 

488. Am. Crow. 488a. Florida Crow. 
c. Wing about 11*00 ; bill about 1*50 490. Fish Crow. 

B. Plumage bluish or grayish. 

.a. Back blue ; tail tipped with white ; a black breast-patch. 

477. Blue Jay. 477a. Florida Blue Jay. 

b. Back bluish gray ; tail not tipped with white ; throat and breast indis- 
tinctly streaked with whitish 479. Florida Jay. 

c. Back gray ; back of head and nape blackish ; forehead whitish. 

484. Canada Jay. 484c. Labrador Jay. 

477. Cyanocitta cristata {Linn.). Blue Jay. (See Fig. 44, a.) 
Ad. — Upper parts grayish blue; under parts dusky whitish, whiter on the 
throat and belly ; forehead, and a band passing across the back of the head 
down the sides of the neck and across the breast, black ; head crested ; ex- 
posed surface of wings blue, the greater wing-coverts and secondaries barred 
with black and tipped with white ; tail blue, all but the outer feathers barred 
with black, and all but the middle pair broadly tipped with white, this white 
tip rarely less than 1*00 in width on the outer feather. L., 11*74; W., 5*14; 
T., 5*19;' B., 1*04. 

Range.— Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland; 
generally resident throughout its range. 

Washington, rather rare P. R., common T. V., Apl. 28 to May 15; Sept. 15 
to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge, common P. R., 
abundant T. V., Apl. and May ; Sept. and Oct. 

Nest, of rootlets, compactly interwoven, generally in a tree crotch fifteen 
to twenty feet up. Eggs, four to six, pale olive-green or brownish ashy, rather 
thickly marked with distinct or obscure spots of varying shades of cinnamon- 
brown, 1*10 x *85. 

The Blue Jay. I fear, is a reprobate, but, notwithstanding his fond- 
ness for eggs and nestlings, and his evident joy in worrying other 
birds, there is a dashing, reckless air about him which makes us par- 
don his faults and like him in spite of ourselves. 

Like many men, he needs the inspiration of congenial company to 
bring out the social side of his disposition. Household duties may 
perhaps absorb him, but certain it is that when at home he is very dif- 
ferent from the noisy fellow who, with equally noisy comrades, roams 
the woods in the fall. 

How his jay, jay rings out on the frosty morning air! It is a sig- 



CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 255 

nal to his companions, breakfasting in a near-by oak or chestnut, 
''Here, here, here's some fun!" and the poor, blinking Owl he has 
discovered looks helplessly at the blue-coated mob, whose uproar alone 
is terrifying. Suddenly there is absolute silence; every Jay has dis- 
appeared. Some one of them has seen you, and not until your silence 
reassures the band will they return to the sport of teasing their victim. 
The Blue Jay is both a mimic and a ventriloquist. Besides an in- 
exhaustible stock of whistles and calls of his own, he imitates the notes 
of other species, notably those of the Red-shouldered, Red- tail, and 
Sparrow Hawks. 

477a. C C. florincola Coues. Florida Blue Jay. — Similar to the 
preceding species, but smaller, the upper parts somewhat grayer, the white 
tips to the feathers narrower, those on the outer pair of tail-feathers generally 
Less than 1-00 in width. L., 10-75 ; W., 5-15 ; T., 4-80 ; B., -96. 

Range. — Florida and Gulf coast region to Texas. 

Blue Jays in Florida are much more familiar than our Jays at the 
north. They are common inhabitants of towns with live-oaks, and 
hop about the fences and gardens with all the domesticity of the 
Robins on our lawns. It has always seemed to me that the Florida 
birds were possessed of greater vocabularies than their northern 
brethren. 

The Magf-ie {475. Pica pica hudsonica) inhabits western North America; 
stragglers have been recorded from as far east as Montreal and Illinois. 

479. Aphelocoma floridana (Bartr.). Florida Jay. Ad. — Top 

and sides of the head and neck, wings and tail, grayish blue ; back pale 
brownish gray ; under parts dirty white, obscurely streaked on the throat and 
breast; sides of the breast and faint breast-band grayish blue. L., 11*50; 
W., 4-45 ; T., 5-40 ; B., -98. 

Range. — Florida; of local distribution, chiefly along the coasts, between 
lat. 27° and 30°. 

Nest, of sticks and roots lined with weeds and rootlets, in bushes. Eggs, 
four, olive-green spotted and blotched with black, 1*17 x -75 (Maynard). 

" The Florida Jays are noisy birds at all times, and the first inti- 
mation which one receives of their presence is a harsh scream which is 
given as a note of alarm. As they usually move in flocks, this cry is 
taken up by others, and soon the scrub for many rods around will be 
resounding with these peculiar sounds. When undisturbed they feed 
on the ground or in bushes, but, upon the approach of an intruder, 
they will mount the highest point available, where they remain until 
driven away. They are not usually shy, and will allow one to ap- 
proach them quite closely, but when one or two are shot the survivors 
usually disappear. . . . They will glide through the bushes with re- 
markable rapidity, never once showing themselves, or, if they have an 



250 CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 

open space to cross, dart over it, not in flocks, but singly, and, plung- 
ing into the next thicket, they will at once be lost to view" (Maynard). 

484. Perisoreus canadensis (Linn.). Canada Jay; Whisky 
Jack ; MOOSE-BIRD. Ad. -Yovc. part of the head white, back of the head and 
nape BOOty black, back tfniy ; wings and tail gray, most of the feathers nar- 
rowly tipped with white; throat and sides of the neck white, rest of the un- 
der parts ashy gray. L., L2'00; W.,5-85; T., B«80; B., 82. 

Range. Nova Scotia, northern New England, and northern New York; 
west to northern Minnesota; north, in the interior, to the arctic regions. 

Cambridge, A. V., oik; record, Oct. 

ffiect, of coarse twigs and strips of bark, in coniferous trees. Eggs, four to 
five, white, distinctly and obscurely spotted with li^ht olive-brown, 1*12 x -81. 

While studying the habits of birds in the great coniferous forest of 
the north, I soon found that 1 was very safe in attributing any new 
strange shrieks or wails, whoso origin I was otherwise unable to trace, 
to the Canada Jay. Many of the notes resemble those of the Blue 
Jay, but if has a number that are distinctly its own. Some of these 
are musical, but most of them are harsh and discordant. 

In its habits it is much like its blue cousin, but it is less shy, and 
becomes almost tame if allowed to come unmolested about the camp 
for a few days in succession. In form it is like a magnified Chickadee, 
clad in singularly furlike, thick, puffy gray feathers; on its forehead 
is a while spot, the size of a dime, and its wings and tail are of a 
much darker gray than the other parts. This description, remem- 
bered in conjunction with the habits, will at once identify the species. 

It nests early in March — that is, while deep snow still covers the 
ground and hard frost reigns supreme; and no satisfactory explana- 
tion of this strange habit has yet been brought forward. No doubt 
one or oilier of (he parents always remains with the eggs, but still it 
is difficult to see how they can keep them from freezing when the sur- 
rounding air is chilled to 80° below zero. 

It is a non-migratory species, and it is said that in autumn it. pro- 
vides against the annual famine of winter by laying up a store of nuts 
and other food. ERNEST E. THOMPSON. 

484c. P. c. nigricapillus Ridgw. Labrador Jay.- Similar to 

the preceding, btlt darker, the black of the head and neck extending forward 
and surrounding the eye. 

Range, ('oast region of Labrador. 

486a,. Corvus corax principalis Ridgw. Northern Raven; 
Americas Raven. Ad. Entire plumage black with steel-blue reflections; 

feathers on the throat narrow, lengthened, and pointed. " L., about 22*00- 

26*50; W., l ()•!)!»; T., 9-86; B., 8-08; depth of B. at N., 1-ot" (Ridgw.). 

Remarks. -The Raven differs from the Crow in its much greater size and 



CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 257 

in having long, pointed, instead of the usual short, rounded feathers on the 
throat. 

Range. — Northern North America from Greenland to Alaska, south on 
the Pacific coast to British Columbia, and on the Atlantic coast to North 
Carolina ; of local distribution in the eastern United States. 

Nest, compact and symmetrical, of sticks lined with grasses, wool, etc., add- 
ed from year to year, in trees or on cliffs. M Eggs, two to seven, pale bluish 
green, pale olive, or olive spotted or dashed (or both) with olive-brown (some- 
times nearly uniform olive from density of markings), 2-02 x 1-38 " (Kidgw.). 

" The usual note of the Raven is a hoarse, rolling cr-r-r-cruck, but 
he has other cries. . . . 

" Despite their difference in size and habits, I must confess that I 
often had difficulty in distinguishing Ravens from Crows. Every one 
must have noticed how the apparent size of a Crow will vary under 
different conditions of the atmosphere ; it is the same with the Raven. 
At times he looks as big as an Eagle ; at others scarcely larger than a 
Fish Crow. But when actually in company with Crows he can not 
be possibly mistaken, for he then appears, as he is, nearly double the 
size of any of them. His flight did not seem to me as characteristic 
as it has been described. True, he sails more than does the Crow, and 
there is something peculiar in his wing strokes, but the difference is 
not always appreciable unless there is an opportunity for direct com- 
parison " (Brewster, Birds Observed on Gulf of St. Lawrence. Proc. 
Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 378). 

488. Corvus americanus And. American Crow. (See Fig. 44, b.) 
Ad. — Entire plumage black, with steel-blue or deep purplish reflections ; the 
under parts duller than the upper parts ; feathers on the neck normal, short, 
and rounded. L., 19-30 ; W., 12-18 ; T., 7*52; B., 2-00. 

Range. — " North America from the fur countries to Mexico " ; winters from 
the northern United States southward. 

Washington, abundant P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, 
abundant P. R. 

Nest, bulky, of sticks lined with strips of grapevine bark, grasses, moss, 
etc., in trees, generally about thirty feet up. Eggs, four to six, generally blu- 
ish green, thickly marked with shades of brown, but sometimes light blue or 
even white with almost no markings, 1*65 x 1-19. 

Throughout his wide range the size, color, voice, habits, and abun- 
dance of the Crow combine to make him the most conspicuous and 
consequently the best known of our birds. But in spite of his great 
circle of acquaintances he has few friends. An unfortunate fondness 
for corn has placed him under the ban of the agriculturist ; there is a 
price on his head ; every man's hand is against him. 

Apparently he does not mind this in the least ; in fact, he seems 
to rejoice in being an outlaw. As for fear, I doubt if he knows what 
IS 



258 CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 

it means; he has far too much confidence in his undoubted ability to 
escape his human persecutors. He laughs at their attempts to entrap 
him; his insolent assurance is admirable. For several centuries man 
has been his sworn enemy, nevertheless he appears to have held his 
own, accepting and adjusting himself to every new condition. 

Afraid of no one, he migrates boldly by day, and in March and 
October we may see him with his comrades high in the air, returning 
to or leaving their summer homes. In winter the Crows are exceed- 
ingly abundant along our seacoasts, where they congregate to feed on 
mollusks, fish, and other sea food. 

At this season they roost in colonies. It has been estimated that 
some roosts contain upward of three hundred thousand birds.* Early 
in the morning, with regularly executed manoeuvres, they start on the 
day's foraging, flying low, on the lookout for food. Late in the after- 
noon they return at a much greater height — Ci as the Crow flies " — and, 
alighting at some point near the roost, wait the coming of the last 
stragglers. Then, at a given signal, they all rise and retire for the 
night. 

No one who has listened to Crows will doubt that they have a lan- 
guage. But who can translate it ? 

488a. C. a. floridanus Baird. Florida Crow.— Similar to the pre- 
ceding, but wings and tail somewhat shorter, and bill and feet slightly larger. 
L., 20-00; W., 11-50-12-30; T., 7-00-7'70; B., 2-00-2-20; depth of B. at base, 
•75--85; Tar., 2-40-2-50 (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Florida; confined largely to the pine- woods. 

490. Corvus ossifragus Wils. Fish Crow. Ad.— Entire plumage 
black, with steel-blue or deep purplish reflections, generally more greenish on 
the under parts. L., 16-00 ; W., 11-00 ; T., 6-40 ; B., 1-50. 

Remarks. — The Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common Crow 
(1) by its much smaller size. (2) By the uniform and somewhat richer color 
of the back. In americanus the feathers of the back have dull tips; when 
the freshly-plumaged bird is held between the observer and the light these 
tips give the back a ringed or slightly scaled appearance. In ossif vagus these 
tips are wanting, and the back is uniformly colored. (3) By the brighter color 
of the under parts. In americanus the under parts are generally much duller 
than the upper parts; in ossif ragus they are nearly as bright 

Range. — Gulf and Atlantic coast, as far north as southern Connecticut; 
resident except at the extreme northern part of its range. 

Washington, rather common P. R. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Mch. 

Nest, of sticks, lined with strips of grapevine bark, moss, grasses, etc., 
generally in pines or cedars, twenty to fifty feet up. Eggs, four to six, simi- 
lar in color to those of C. americanus, 1*52 x 1-0(5. 

* Rhoads, Crow Roosts and Roosting Crows, Am. Nat., 1886, pp. 691-700, 777-787. 



STARLINGS. 259 

The Fish Crow can be distinguished from the common Crow in 
life only by its call. Its voice is cracked and reedy, and its notes re- 
semble those of a young common Crow. Instead of the loud, clear, 
open caw of adults of that species, it utters a hoarser car, as if it 
talked through its nose! The difference is perhaps not appreciable 
upon paper, but one who is familiar with their calls need never con- 
fuse these two birds in the field. 

The Fish Crow, while not confined to the coast or even the vicinity 
of water, is not found far inland. 

Family Sturnid^e. Starlings. 

An Old-World family containing some two hundred species. It is 
represented in America only by the Starling, which has been recently 
introduced. 

493. Sturnus vulgaris Linn. Starling. (See Fig. 45.) Ad., summer 
plumage. — Metallic purplish or greenish ; feathers of the upper parts all tipped 
with cream -buff spots, feathers of the under parts marked only on the sides ; 
lower belly and under tail-coverts, wings, and tail dark brownish gray, edged 
with cream-buff; bill yellow. Ad., winter plumage. — Similar, but the upper 
parts heavily spotted with brownish cream-buff; the entire under parts heavily 
spotted with white ; bill blackish brown. L., 8*50 ; W., 5*10 ; T., 2-50. 

Range. — Europe and northern Asia ; accidental in Greenland ; introduced 
in New York city. 

Nest, of grasses, twigs, etc., in a crevice in a building or hollow tree. 
Eggs, four to six, pale bluish, 1-20 x -86. 

This Old- World species has been introduced in eastern North Amer- 
ica on several occasions, but only the last importation appears to have 
been successful. The birds included in this lot, about sixty in number, 
were released in Central Park, New York city, in 1890, under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Eugene Schieffelin. They seem to have left the park and 
have established themselves in various favorable places in the upper 
part of the city. They have bred for three successive years in the 
roof of the Museum of Natural History and at other points in the 
vicinity. In the suburbs about the northern end of the city they are 
frequently observed in flocks containing as many as fifty individuals. 
These birds are resident throughout the year, and, as they have already 
endured our most severe winters, we may doubtless regard the species 
as thoroughly naturalized. Starlings are walkers, not hoppers, and 
this fact, in connection with the spotted plumage and yellow bill 
of, the adults, makes their identification an easy matter. 



2G0 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 

Family Icterid^]. Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. 

This distinctively American family is most abundantly represented 
in the tropics, where the majority of the one hundred and fifty known 
species are found. With the exception of the Orioles, they are gre- 
garious after the nesting season, while some of the species nest in col- 
onies and are found in flocks throughout the year. 

They differ markedly in habits, and are found living in ground of 
every nature, from dry plains and wet marshes to the densest forest 
growth. Some species possess marked vocal ability, while the voices 
of others are harsh and unmusical. They feed on fruit, seeds, and 
insects. 

KEY TO THE SPEC IKS. 

I. With yellow or orange in the under parts. 

A. Throat black. 

a. Back black 507. Baltimore Oriole. 

ft. Back greenish 506. Orchard Oriole ( 6 im.). 

B. A black or blackish crescent on the breast ; outer tail-feathers white. 

501. Meadowlark. 501a. Western Meadowlark. 

C. Entire under parts yellow, yellowish, or orange. 

a. Rump and tail orange. . . 507. Baltimore Oriole ( 9 and im.). 
ft. Upper parts yellowish green . 506. Orchard Oriole ( 9 and im.). 
c. Upper parts brownish, streaked and spotted with black ; tail-feath- 
ers pointed 494. Bobolink ( 9 and im.). 

D. Throat and breast yellow or yellowish ; belly black or dark grayish 

brown 497. Yellow-headed Blackbird. 

II. Under parts black, with or without metallic reflec- 
tions. 

A. Outer tail-feathers *75 or more shorter than middle ones; bill 1*00 or 

more in length. 

a. Tail over 600 513. Boat-tailed Grackle 6 . 

b. Tail under 6-00. 

b 1 . Back bronzy purple or shining, brassy bluish green, the feathers 

with iridescent bars 511. Purple Grackle ( $ ). 

ft 2 . Back bronze, without iridescent bars. 

511ft. Bronzed Grackle 6. 
ft 3 . Back bottle-green, the feathers more purple at their base, and 
with a narrow iridescent bar near the middle. 

511a. Florida Grackle <5 . 
ft*. Back bluish black, with or without iridescent bars. 

511. Purple Grackle ( 9 ). 511a. Florida Grackle 9. 

B. Outer tail-feathere little if any shorter than middle ones; bill less 

than 1*00 in length. 
a. Entire plumage bluish black, the feathers sometimes tipped with 

buffy or rufous 500. Rusty Blackbird. 

ft. A red and buff shoulder-patch. . 498. Red-winged Blackbird ( 6 ). 



BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 201 

c. Head and neck all around seal-brown .... 405. CoWBlBD <5 . 

d. Nape buffy, rump whitish 4Ml Bobolink 6. 

HI. Under parts grayish, slate-color, chestnut, or buffy. 

A. Under parts grayish or slaU -color. 

a. Under parts grayish ; bill finchlike ; wing under 4-00. 

4 ( J5. COWBIBD 9 . 

b. Under parts and upper parts slate-color, the feathers sometimes 
tipped with brownish 509. SusTr Blackbibd 9. 

B. Under parts bully or chestnut. 

a. Under parts buli'y, generally with a few black streaks. 

494. Bobolink 9 . 

b. Under parts buli'y, without black streaks; tail about 5-00. 

5L'3. Boat-tailed Grackle 9. 

c. Under parts chestnut; throat black. 

506. Orchard Oriole ( 6 ad.). 
IV. Under parts black and white, or black tipped or mar- 
gined with rusty. 

a. Under parts streaked black and white, or black tipped with white; 

shoulder generally red or reddish. 

498. Red-winged Blackbird ( 9 and im.). 
4986. Florida Redwing ( 9 and im.). 

b. Upper parts and under parts tipped with rusty. 

509. Kusty Blackbird (im.). 

c. Nape buffy, rump whitish 494. Bobolink 6 . 

494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Bobolink; JReedbird ; 
Bicebibd. Ail. 6 , breeding plumage. — Top and sides of the head and under 
parts black, the feathers more or less tipped with a narrow whitish or cream- 
butf fringe, which wears off as the season advances; back of the neck with a 
large yellowish cream-buff patch; middle of back generally streaked with 
cream-buff; scapulars, lower back, and upper tail-coverts soiled grayish 
white; wings and tail black; tail-feathers with pointed tips ; bill blue-black. 
Ad. 9 . — Upper parts olive-buff', streaked with black ; crown blackish, with a 
central stripe of olive buff; nape finely spotted and back broadly streaked 
with black ; wings and tail brownish fuscous; tail-feathers with pointed tips ; 
under parts yellowish or buffy white. Ad. in fall and Im. — Similar to 
female, but burlier and more olivaceous throughout. L., 7*25; W., 3 - 70; T., 
2-7:3 ; B., "55. 

Remarks. — The young and adults in fall plumage are known as Reed- 
Yirds. Adults acquire this plumage by a complete molt after the breeding 
n. The breeding plumage is regained by a complete molt in the spring, 
ill not, as has been supposed, by a change in the color of the feathers with- 
out molting. Freshly plumaged males have the black veiled by yellow tips 
to the feathers; these gradually wear off, and by June have almost entirely 
disappeared (cf. Chapman, Auk, x, 1893, p. 309). 

Range, — Breeds from southern New Jersey northward to Nova Scotia, 
westward to Utah and northern Montana; leaves the United States by way of 
Florida, and winters in Soutli America. 



262 



BLACKBIRDS, OltlOLHS, KTU. 



Washington, T. v., common in spring, abundant in fall; May l to May 27; 
Aug. . r > to Oot l. Sing Sing, tolerably common s. it., May 1 1,0 Oct. r>. Cam- 
bridge, very common 8, R., May 8 to Sept,. 10. 

A<.s/, of grasses, <>n the ground. /-</.'/*» four t<> seven, grayish while, fre 
quently tinged with the color of the numerous irregular spots and blotches of 
olive brown or umber, "65 - '62, 

In June our fields and meadows echo with the Bobolink's "mad 

music M as, on quivering wing, he sings in ecstasy to his male on her 

nest in the grasses below. What, a, wonderful SOng it is! An irre- 
pressible outburst,; 11 Hood of melody from a heart Overflowing with 
the joy of ('ally summer. 

I >u t this glad season is soon over. Kven before the tide of (lie year 
is full, the Bobolink begins to prepare for the long journey to his win- 
ter resorts. Dolling his jaunty costume of black, white, and bull, he 
dons the less conspicuous dress of his mate, and travels in disguise 
under the assumed name of Reed bird or Ricebird. 1 1 is voice is hushed, 
save for a single call-note, — a metallic chink* He travels both by day 
and uight, and from the sky we hear his watchword as he signals his 
companions. 

The wild-rice marshes of our coasts and rivers are the rendezvous 
of the countless (locks of Bobolinks, which later will invade South 
America,, stopping vn route to visit, the rice fields of South Carolina 
and Georgia. They pass the winter south of the Amazon, and in 
March or April begin their north ward journey. The males, in (locks 
of tWO Or three hundred, precede the females by several days. They 
reach Florida about, April 25, and are then in full song. Only one 
who has heard the Bobolink sing can form an idea of the effect pro- 
duced by a (lock of three hundred singing in chorus. 

495. Molothrus ater ( Bod<L). Cowbird, Ad, 6 , Head, neok, and 

breast, coll'ee brown; rest, of the plumage glossy black, with metallic bluish 

and greenish reflections. Ad, 9 .-— 

Dark brownish gray, lighter below, 

especially <>n the throat. Young in 

first plumagt. Similar tO the female, 




but Whiter below, all the feathers 

edged with buffy. This plumage is 

worn hut a short time, ami is then 

ohanged for that <>t* the adult. 6 L., 
7-t^; W., 4-lM; T., 8*08; B., '07. 

Range, Breeds from Texas to New 
Brunswick and Manitoba; winters from southern Illinois southward. 

Washington, rather rare l\ K., common T. V. Sing Sing, common S. K., 
Meh. 22 to Nov. 11. Cambridge, very common S. It., Meh. l J.~> to Oct. lf> ; oc- 
casional 111 winter. 



K10. 77. OOWbird. (Natural size.) 







Bobolink, male and female. 



BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 263 

Nest, none, the eggs being laid in the nests of other species. Eggs, white, 
evenly and distinctly speckled with cinnamon-brown or umber, *8C x -65. 

The Cowbird is an acknowledged villain, and has no standing in 
the bird world. English Sparrows, either because they are not aware 
of the customs of New-World bird life, or because of a possible and 
not unlikely affinity, associate with him ; but no self-respecting Ameri- 
can bird will be found in his company. 

As an outcast he makes the best of things, and gathers about him 
a band of kindred spirits who know no law. There is an air about the 
group which at once tells the critical observer that their deeds are 
evil. No joyous song swells the throat of the male. His chief con- 
tribution to the chorus of springtime is a guttural bubbling produced 
with apparently nauseous effort. In small flocks they visit both 
pasture and woodland, and are given to following cattle, clustering 
about the feet of the herd, presumably to feed on the insects found 
there. They build no nest, and the females, lacking every moral and 
maternal instinct, leave their companions only long enough to deposit 
their eggs in the nests of other and smaller birds. I can imagine no 
sight more strongly suggestive of a thoroughly despicable nature than 
a female Cowbird sneaking through the trees or bushes in search of a 
victim upon whom to shift the duties of motherhood. 

The ill-gotten offspring are born with the Cowbird character fully 
developed. They demand by far the greater share of the food, and 
through gluttony or mere size alone starve or crowd out the rightful 
occupants of the nest. They accept the attention of their foster-par- 
ents long after they could care for themselves; and when nothing 
more is to be gained desert them and join the growing flocks of their 
kind in the grainfields. 

497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.). Yellow- 
headed Blackbird. Ad. $ . -Head, neck, throat, and breast orange-yellow; 
region before the eye and chin black ; outer wing-coverts white, rest of the 
plumage black. Ad. 9 . — Forehead, line over the eye, sides of the head, throat, 
and upper breast pale, dirty yellow, more or less mixed with white ; lower 
breast generally more or less marked with white ; rest of the plumage grayish 
brown. L., 10-00 ; W., 5-50 ; T., 4-05 ; B., -85. 

Range. — Western North America, north to Manitoba, east to Illinois; win- 
ters from the Southern States southward; accidental in Massachusetts, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, South Carolina, and Florida. 

Washington, A. V., one instance, Aug. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Oct. 

Nest, bulky, of coarse reeds, grasses, etc., in marshes. Eggs, four to five, 
grayish white, evenly and rather obscurely speckled with pale cinnamon- 
brown, 1-00 x -72. 

" These birds are largely terrestrial in their habits, and during the 
fall and winter months are generally distributed over the prairies and 



264 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 

plains, often following and running about with the cattle, in company 
with Cowbirds ; but their natural home is on or about the marshy, 
weedy grounds, and during the breeding season [they are] seldom to 
be met with far away. . . . 

" Their notes are harsh, and their attempt at song a laborious, 
whistling, squeaky, chuckling sound " (Goss). 

498. Agelaius phoenicems {Linn.). Red-winged Blackbird. 
Ad. <5.— Lesser wing-coverts— "shoulders "—bright scarlet; middle wing- 
coverts varying from ochraceous-buff to butty white ; rest of the plumage 
black— in fall and winter specimens more or less tipped with rusty. Im. & .— 
Upper parts margined with rusty and butty ; under parts tipped with whitish ; 
lesser wing-coverts dull orange-red mixed with black. Ad. 9 . — Head and 
back blackish, streaked with rusty and butty ; rump and upper tail-coverts 
fuscous, more or less edged with ashy ; wings fuscous, edged with butty, the 
lesser coverts sometimes tinged with reddish ; under parts conspicuously 
streaked with black and white; the throat tinged with orange or yellow. 
6 L., 9-51 ; W., 4'72; T., 3-77 ; B., -88. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf of Mexico to New 
Brunswick and Manitoba, and winters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, common P. R., abundant in migrations. Sing Sing, common 
S. R., Feb. 25 to Nov. 11. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Mch. to Aug. ; a few 
winter. 

Nest, of coarse grasses, weed stalks, etc., lined with finer grasses and root- 
lets, attached to low bushes or reeds. Eggs, three to five, pale blue, singularly 
streaked, spotted, or scrawled with dark purple or black, chiefly at the larger 
end, 1-04 x -72. 

A swiftly moving, compact band of silent birds, passing low through 
the brown orchard, suddenly wheels and, alighting among the bare 
branches, with the precision of a trained choir breaks into a wild, 
tinkling glee. It is quite possible that in the summer this rude chorus 
might fail to awaken enthusiasm, but in the spring it is as welcome 
and inspiring a promise of the new year as the peeping of frogs or 
blooming of the first wild flower. 

Plain, streaked Mrs. Redwing, who has been spending the winter in 
flocks composed only of others of her sex, soon appears, but mating is 
delayed until late April or early May. Then we find the old homes in 
the wet meadows and marshes occupied by apparently the same birds 
which have dwelt there for years. 

Mounting the topmost branch of a tree not far from the nest, the male 
becomes an ever-vigilant sentinel. His rich " kong-quer-ree" which by 
association is so strongly suggestive of reedy marshes, is a signal that 
"all's well." He challenges all suspicious characters by an inquiring 
chut, chuck, and with a long, shrill alarm-note, chee-e-e-e-e, circles out on 
fluttering wings, his gorgeous crimson epaulets showing conspicuously. 




PS 

O 
Q 
«j 

W 

s 



/ 



BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 2G5 

The nesting season is a short one, and in July young and old begin 
to gather in flocks in the marshes, where later they will be found, in 
countless numbers, feeding on the wild rice. 

498b. A. p. bryanti Ridgw. Florida Redwing. — Similar to the 
preceding, but smaller, the bill much more slender; $ with the under parts 
less broadly streaked with black. W., 3'70 ; T., 3-50; B., -90; depth of bill 
at nostril, -35. 

Range. — Florida and the Bahamas. 

501. Sturnella magna (Z/««.). Meadowlark ; Field Lark. Ad. 

in summer. — Prevailing color of the upper parts black, the crown with abuffy 
line through the center, the back bordered and tipped with rufous and buffy ; 
outer tail-feathers mostly white, middle ones with imperfect, connected bars, 
not reaching the outer edge of the feather; line from the bill over the eye 
yellow; sides of the throat and ear-coverts whitish; throat, between the 
lower branch of the under mandible, breast, and middle of the upper belly 
bright yellow; a black crescent on the breast; sides and lower belly whitish, 
spotted or streaked with black. Winter plumage. — Feathers all much more 
widely margined, the prevailing color of the upper parts rufous-brown; black 
breast crescent veiled with buffy; yellow of under parts duller. L., 10*75; 
W., 4-76 ; T., 3-16 ; B., 1-30. 

Remarks. — This bird is to be distinguished from the western species by 
its much darker upper parts, by the imperfect, confluent tail-bars, and more 
especially by the absence of yellow on the sides of the throat. 

Range.— Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf to New Brunswick 
and Minnesota; winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward. 

Washington, common P. R., less common in winter. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common S. R., Feb. 20 to Nov. 27 ; a few winter. Cambridge, common S. R., 
not common "W. V. 

JYest, of grasses, frequently arched, on the ground. Eggs, four to six, 
white, spotted or speckled with cinnamon or reddish brown, 1*15 x -80. 

In walking through grassy fields, meadows, or marshes, we some- 
times flush rather large, brownish birds, which, alternately flapping 
and sailing, scale away with a flight that suggests a Quail's. Their 
white outer tail-feathers show conspicuously, and if, instead of return- 
ing to the ground, they alight on a fence or the outer branch of a tree, 
as they utter a nasal peent y they will nervously flit their tails, display- 
ing the same white feathers. 

When in an exposed position they are wary and difficult to ap- 
proach, but when walking about on the ground they trust to the long 
grasses for protection, and sometimes do not take wing until one is 
within a few feet of them. 

In Cuba I noticed that a Meadowlark, closely related to ours, was 
very careful to conceal its brightly colored breast, with its distinctly 
marked crescent, and, although even perching birds were not shy, they 



2G6 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 

would invariably turn their backs upon me as I drew near. Do our 
Meadowlarks practice the same impolite habit % 

The Meadowlark's song is a clear, plaintive whistle of unusual 
sweetness. It is subject to much variation, both individually and 
geographically. The birds near my home at Englewood, N. J., gen- 



erally sing: 






But the 



songs of Florida birds are so different, I hardly recognized them by 
their notes. 

In the fall, Meadowlarks at the north gather in flocks and resort to 
large marshes. 

501a. S. Hi. neglecta (And.). Western Meadowlark; Prairie 
Lark. — Prevailing color of the upper parts grayish brown, crown with a cen- 
tral buffy stripe ; back black, feathers widely margined with grayish brown ; 
rump and upper tail-coverts with narrow black bars; outer tail-feathers 
mostly white ; middle ones brownish gray, barred with black, the bars gen- 
erally not connected, and as a rule reaching the margins of the feathers; 
line from the bill over the eye yellow; ear-coverts grayish white; throat 
yellow, this color reaching up on the sides of the throat and touching the ear- 
coverts ; breast and upper belly yellow, a black crescent on the breast ; sides 
and lower belly whitish, spotted or streaked with black. Winter plumage. — 
Upper parts more widely margined with grayish brown, these grayish brown 
tips with small, broken black bars ; yellow of under parts duller, the black 
crescent veiled with whitish. W., 4'60 ; T., 3'00 ; B., 1-25. 

Range. — " Western North America, north to British Columbia and Mani- 
toba ; east regularly to Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, sparingly to 
Illinois and Wisconsin; south through western Mexico" (Eidgw.). 

The Western Meadowlark resembles the eastern bird in habits but 
differs from it so decidedly in song that some ornithologists consider 
it a distinct species and not a geographical race. In his charming 
biography of the Prairie Lark, Ernest E. Thompson writes : " In rich- 
ness of voice and modulation it equals or excels both Wood Thrush 
and Nightingale, and in the power and beauty of its articulation it 
has no superior in the whole world of feathered choristers with which 
I am acquainted " (Birds of Manitoba). 

The Troupial {502. Icterus icterus), a South American species, was re- 
corded by Audubon as accidental at Charleston, South Carolina. 

506. Icterus spurius (Linn.). Orchard Oriole. Ad. 6 .—Head, 
neck, throat, and upper back black ; breast, belly, lower back, and lesser 
wing-coverts chestnut; wings and tail fuscous, more or less edged or tipped 
with whitish. Ad. 9 .—Upper parts grayish olive-green, brighter on the 
head and rump ; wings fuscous, middle and greater coverts tipped with whit- 
ish ; tail bright olive-green ; under parts dull yellow. Im. 6 , first year.— 




BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 267 

Similar to the ad. 9 , but with the back browner. Im. $ , second year. — Simi- 
lar to the ad. 9 , but with the throat black and occasionally patches of chest- 
nut on the under parts. L., 7'32; 
W., 3-18 ; T., 2-92 ; B., -65. 

Range. — Eastern North Amer- 
ica; breeds from the Gulf States 
to Massachusetts and Ontario, 
and winters in Central America. 

Washington, common S. R., 
Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, com- 
mons. R.. May 2 to Aug. 6. Cam- 
bridge, S. R., sometimes rather 
common, May 15 to July. 

Nest, pensile, of grasses inter- 
woven, near the extremity of a 
limb, ten to fifteen feet up. Eggs, FlG - 78. -Orchard Oriole. (Im * , second 

_ , . _ f *f ' year.) (Natural size.) 

three to five, bluish white, dis- 
tinctly and obscurely spotted, blotched, and scrawled with fuscous or black, 
•79 x -58. 

Although the Orchard Oriole generally frequents apple orchards, 
he is entirely at home among the shade trees of our lawns. 

There is an air of refinement about this bird which seems to per- 
vade his whole life history. He dresses quietly but with excellent 
taste, his nest is of the choicest materials, while his song suggests the 
finished effort of a perfectly trained performer. His voice is indeed 
unusually rich and flexible, and he uses it with rare skill and expres- 
sion. Words can not describe his song, but no lover of bird-music 
will be long in the vicinity of a singing Orchard Oriole without learn- 
ing the distinguished songster's name. 

507. Icterus galbula {Linn.). Baltimore Oriole; Firebird; 
Golden Robin ; Hang-nest. Ad. 6 . — Head, neck, throat, and upper back 
black ; breast, belly, lower back, and lesser wing-coverts deep, rich, reddish 
orange ; wings black, the outer margin of the greater coverts and quills edged 
with white ; end half of middle tail-feathers black, base orange ; all the others 
orange, crossed by a black band in the middle. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts brown- 
ish or grayish orange, brighter on the rump ; head and back mottled with 
black ; wings fuscous, greater and middle coverts tipped with white ; tail 
like the rump, the middle feathers stained with black; under parts dull 
orange, throat sometimes spotted with black. L., 7*53; W., 3*52; T., 2*84; 
B., -70. 

Binge.— Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to New 
Brunswick ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, rather common S. E., Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, common 
S. R., May 2 to Sept. 1. Cambridge, very common S. R., May 8 through Aug. 

IVest, pensile, of grasses, bark, plant fibers, hair, strings, etc., firmly inter- 
woven, in fruit or shade trees, near the extremity of a limb twenty to forty 



208 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 

foot up. Eggs, four to six, white, singularly scrawled with fine, distinct or 
obscure black or fuscous lines, and with a few spots or blotches, *94 x -63. 

Sometimes Nature, as if to remind us of the richness of her stores, 
sends from the tropics a gayly attired bird who seems quite out of 
place among the more soberly clad inhabitants of northern climes. 
The genus Icterus contains nearly forty species, all more or less 
brightly dressed in orange, yellow, and black, but not one is more 
beautiful than our Baltimore Oriole. 

There is reason to believe that he is not unaware of his own 
charms; indeed, we may almost suspect him of intentionally display- 
ing them. His splendor is not to be lost in the forest, and, whistling 
loudly, he flashes through our fruit and shade trees. 

He generally leaves to the female the task of constructing their 
wonderfully made nest, but he seems quite as deeply interested in the 
performance as if he were a skilled weaver himself ; indeed, he would 
probably assist if he were permitted. 

Young Orioles have been well named by Mrs. Olive Thorne Miller 
the cry-babies of the bird world. Their ceaseless call for food is 
almost as much a midsummer voice as the song of cicadas. Long 
after they have left the nest we may find them in the different trees 
about our lawn calling out monotonously and persistently dee-dee- 
dee-dee, until one of the parents arrives and momentarily stops their 
mouths. 

Bullock's Oriole (508. Icterus bullocki), a species of our Western States, 
has been taken at Bangor, Maine. 

509- Scolecophagxis carolinus ( Mull.). Rusty Blackbird. Ad. 
<$ , breeding plumage.— Ent'wu plumage uniform flossy bluish black; tail- 
feathers of nearly equal length*. Ad. 6 i n fall and winter plumage, — Simi- 
lar, hut the upper parts widely tipped with rufous or rusty, the under parts 
similarly tipped with oehraeeous- or cream hurt'; a huffy line over the eye. 
Ad, ? in breeding plumage, — Slate-color, flossy above, duller below; wings 
and tail darker and more glossy. Ad. 9 in fall and winter. — Similar, hut 
somewhat Lighter, the upper parts widely tipped with rufous or rusty, the 
under parts similarly tipped with oehraeeous- or cream-huff'. L., 9*55 ; W., 
4-<;i; 'P., 8*52; li., -80. 

Range, — Breeds from New Brunswick and Manitoba northward to Labra- 
dor and Alaska; winters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, common W. V., Oct. k 25 to Apl. 25. Sim: Sing, common T. 
V., Meh. 26 to May S; Sept. k JS to Nov. 27. Cambridge, very eomnion T. V., 
Meh. t<> May 5 ; Sept and Oct. 

iVW, of twigs and coarse grasses lined with finer grasses, in coniferous 
tnvs or on the ground. Eggs, four to seven, grayish green to pale green, 
thickly blotched with light and dark brown and purple, TOO x -70 (Cham- 
berlain). 



BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 209 

This bird is found during the migrations in small flocks on fresh- 
water meadows or about open, bushy swamps, feeding on the ground 
in alder thickets or along the edges of swampy woods. It resembles, 
more or less, the Red-winged Blackbird in size, flight, and notes, but 
unlike this species, with which it sometimes associates, it is compara- 
tively quiet and retiring. Only at times, in the spring, do we find the 
flocks musical centers, whence issues a confused medley of whistles, 
sweeter and higher-pitched than the best efforts of the Redwings. 
Little is known of this Blackbird in its northern home. It gathers 
into flocks early in the summer, and the most frequently heard note 
is a " cluck" not in the least characteristic. Its quiet demeanor, pale- 
yellow eye, and uniform color are its chief distinguishing characters 
in the field, where it may be mistaken for the Bronzed or Purple 
Grackle. The gray female is unlike the streaked female Redwing. 

J. Dwight, Jr. 

Brewer's Blackbird (510. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) inhabits west- 
ern North America, and is of casual occurrence as far east as Illinois and 
Louisiana, and has been once recorded from South Carolina. It may be dis- 
tinguished from #. carolinus by its deep violet-purple head and the compara- 
tive absence of rusty tips to the feathers. 

511. Quiscalus quiscula (Linn.). Purple Grackle ; Crow Black- 
bird. (See Fig. 46, c.) Ad. 6 . — Head, neck, throat, and upper breast all 
around varying from brilliant metallic purple to bluish green or steel-blue ; 
back and rump varying from bottle-green to metallic purple or shining brassy 
green, the feathers with iridescent bars ; wings and tail externally metallic 
purple or bluish black ; lower breast and belly resembling the back but duller. 
Ad. 9 . — Much duller than the male, but the feathers of the back generally show- 
ing at least traces of iridescence. 6 L., 12-00-13-50 ; W., 5-66 ; T.,5-18; B.,1-18. 

Remarks. — Intermediates between this and the Bronzed Grackle are found 
where their ranges adjoin, but typical quiscula always has iridescent bars on 
the feathers of the back, rump, and belly, while in ceneus these bars are want- 
ing. (On the relationships of this group see Chapman, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. 
Hist., iv, 1892, pp. 1-20.) 

Banff e.— Breeds in the lower Mississippi Valley and east of the Allegha- 
nies from Georgia to Massachusetts ; winters in the Southern States. 

Washington, common T. V. and S. B., Feb. 20; a few winter. Sing Sing, 
tolerably common S. B., Feb. 15 to Nov. 8. 

Nest, bulky and compact, of mud and coarse grasses lined with finer 
grasses, in colonies, generally in coniferous trees about thirty feet up, some- 
times in bushes or holes in trees. Eggs, three to six, very variable, generally 
pale bluish or bluish green, singularly spotted, blotched, or scrawled with 
cinnamon-brown, umber, or black, but sometimes evenly speckled with brown- 
ish, and rarely almost solid cinnamon- or rufous-brown, 1-15 x -82. 

When winter gives signs of retreating there comes from the south 
in sable array the tried advance guard of the feathered army which is 



270 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 

impatiently awaiting the order to advance. In close rank they come, 
phalanx after phalanx, to retake the land which winter— once conquer- 
ing, now defeated — yields to them. The air resounds to marshal music ; 
their harsh voices, united, rise in an inspiring chorus. 

The campaign over, they settle in colonies on their recently acquired 
possessions, and these careless rovers become so attached to their homes 
and families that they are rarely seen far from their vicinity. Some- 
times we may see them walking sedately over the lawns near their 
home, their glossy plumage gleaming in the light, and their yellow 
eyes giving them a peculiar, unbirdlike expression. But when their 
young are old enough to care for themselves the old habits return, 
and, leading their offspring into the world, they teach them the ways 
of wanderers. Meeting others of their kind, they join forces, and in 
the fall we find them in hordes ravaging the country. 

The Grackle's disposition is as gloomy as his plumage is dark. 
Life with him is a serious affair. He seems to utterly lack the Blue 
Jay's sense of humor. As a parent he is beyond reproach, and every 
moment is devoted to the care of his young, but it is all done in a joy- 
less way. Eggs and nestlings form part of his fare, and I can imagine 
bird-mothers frightening their young into obedience by theatened visits 
from that ogre, the Grackle. 

511a. Q. q. aglaeus (Raird). Florida Grackle. Ad. 6 .— Head, 

neck, throat and upper breast all around metallic violet-purple ; back and 
rump rich bottle green, the feathers with more or less concealed iridescent 
bars ; wings and tail externally metallic purple or bluish black ; the wing- 
coverts generally with iridescent tips ; lower breast and belly similar to the 
back but duller. Ad. $ . — Not distinguishable in color from the 9 of Q. quis- 
cula, but differing in size. W., 5*38 ; T., 4-90 ; B., 1*25. 

Range. — Coast of South Carolina westward through central Georgia to 
the Mississippi ; south through Florida to Key West. 

This is a locally abundant bird, and is found in flocks throughout 
the year. In Florida it sometimes lives in the towns in which live- 
oaks grow, and it also makes its headquarters in cypress "bays," but 
its favorite resort is among the cabbage palmettos, upon the berries 
of which it feeds. 

511b. Q. q. seneus (Ridgw.). Bronzed Grackle; Crow Black- 
bird. Ad. 6 .—Head, neck, throat, and upper breast all around varying from 
brilliant metallic purple to bluish green or steel-blue; back metallic seal- 
bronze, the feathers without iridescent bars ; wings and tail metallic pur- 
plish or bluish black ; lower breast and belly similar to the back but duller. 
Ad. 9 .—Much duller, the back and belly brownish, sometimes without me- 
tallic reflections and never with iridescent bars. W., 5*62 ; T., 5*04; B., 1*21. 

Range.— Breeds from Texas to Great Slave Lake, east to the Alleghanies 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 271 

as far north as Pennsylvania, and north of this eastward to Connecticut and 
northward to Labrador ; winters in the lower Mississippi Valley. 

Washington, rare T. V., between Feb. 20 and Apl. 15. Sing Sing, tolera- 
bly common T. V., Apl. ; Nov. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Mch. to Oct. ; 
occasional in winter. 

"The general habits of the Bronzed Grackle are in all respects 
identical with those of the Purple Grackle. . . . 

" From an almost equal familiarity with the two birds we are able 
to say that their notes differ decidedly, especially those of the male 
during the breeding season, the ' song ' of the western birds being very 
much louder and more musical or metallic than those of its eastern 
relative " (Ridgway). 

513* Quiscalus major Vieill. Boat-tailed Grackle. Ad. 6. — 
Glossy bluish black ; head, throat, and breast more purplish, wings and tail 
more blackish. Ad. 9 . — Much smaller, upper parts blackish brown, under 
parts soiled ochraceous-butf. 6 L., 16-00; W., 7'50 ; T., 7'00; B., 1-55. 

Range. — Florida ; north along the Atlantic coast to Virginia ; west along 
the Gulf coast to Texas. 

Nest, bulky and compact, of grasses, seaweed, etc., w^ith a median layer of 
mud or partially decayed vegetation, in colonies in bushes. Eggs, three to 
five, pale bluish white, frequently tinged with vinaceous-brown, singularly 
spotted, blotched, and scrawled with purplish or blackish, 1*32 x -90. 

Boat-tail Grackles are rarely if ever found far from water. Shal- 
low lakes or marshy lagoons grown with aquatic plants are their fa- 
vorite resorts. Here they may be seen in small groups, which usually 
contain more males than females, walking or jumping from plant to 
plant, sometimes springing into the air to catch a passing insect, or 
wading along the shore in search of food. 

Their usual notes are hoarse, rather forced whistles ; more rarely 
they utter a singular rolling call, which bears a close resemblance to 
the sound produced by a Coot in pattering over the water. 

Family Fringillid^e. Finches, Sparrows, etc. 

This, the largest family of birds, contains some five hundred and 
fifty species, which are represented in all parts of the world except 
the Australian region. Its members present wide diversity of form 
and habit, but generally agree in possessing stout, conical bills, which 
are admirably adapted to crush seeds. They are thus chief among 
seed-eaters, and for this reason are not so migratory as insect-eating 
c pecies. 

The brown, streaked Sparrows are, to a large extent, field- or plain- 
inhabiting, and their neutral colors are therefore a means of protec- 
tion in the exposed situations they inhabit. The brighter Grosbeaks 



272 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

and Finches are more arboreal. Many species take high rank as song 
sters, and some of our favorite cage-birds belong to this family. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

I. Under parts with red. 
II. Under parts with no red and without distinct streaks; throat or breast 

sometimes witli a patch or spot. 
HI. Under parts without red and with numerous streaks. 

I. Under parts with red. 

A. Wing-coverts plainly tipped with white or whitish, or with a white 
or yellow band in the wing. 

a. No red in the upper parts. 

a 1 . Back black, rump whitish, throat black, breast and under wing- 
covert s rosy red . . . 505. Rose-breasted Grosbeak ( 6 ad.). 

a 2 . Back and under parts streaked with black; under wing-coverts 
rosy red 5U5. Eose-breasted Grosbeak ( 8 im.). 

b. Red on upper parts confined to crown or forehead, and sometimes a 

tinge on the rump ; wing under 3*25. 
b 1 . Bump and flanks generally without blackish streaks; feathers 
of back generally with whitish borders. 

527. Greenland Redpoll. 527a. Hoary Redpoll. 
&. Rump and flanks always streaked ; feathers of back with little 
if any white and generally with brownish borders. 

528. Redpoll and races. 
b 2 . Back cinnamon-brown, unstreaked ; crown, nape, and sides of 
the neek black; a yellow band in the wing. 

European Goldfinch. 

c. Red or pink spread more or less over entire upper parts; wing over 

3*25. 
c 1 . Tips of mandibles crossed. 

522. White-winged Crossbill ( & ad.). 
<*. Bill stout; mandibles not crossed . 515. Pine Grosbeak ( 6 ad.). 

B. Wing-coverts not tipped with white. 

a. Throat black or blackish ; wings and tail red ; body red or olive. 

593. Cardinal. 

b. Throat and more or less of under parts red or greenish red. 

b l . Plumage blood-red, brownish red, or greenish red ; tips of the 

mandibles crossed 521. Am. Crossbill $ . 

b*. Plumage dull reddish ; belly whitish ; back indistinctly streaked, 
with bristly feathers over the nostrils. 

517. Purple Finch ( 8 ad.). 
b*. Head blue; back green; rump red. 

601. Painted Bunting ( $ ad.). 
II. Under parts with no red and without distinct streaks ; 
throat or breast sometimes with a patch or spot. 
1. Tail with white spots, bars, or patches. 
A. Back plain, without streaks. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 273 

a. Throat and breast black, brown, or slate-color, sharply defined 
from the white belly. 

a 1 . Breast black or brown ; sides rufous .... 587. Towhee. 
a 2 . Breast slate-color; sides the same, or brownish. 

567. Junco. 567e. Carolina Junco. 

b. Throat and belly more or less yellow or ashy. 
b l . Wing over 4-00 ; bill stout, greenish yellow. 

514. Evening Grosbeak. 
6 2 . Bill small and sharp; back brown; throat yellowish. 

521). Goldfinch ( ? and im.). 
b*. Body bright yellow, cap black . . 529. Goldfinch ( 6 ad.). 

c. Under parts pure white, middle of back black. 

534. Snowflake. 
B. Back streaked with black, brown, or white. 

a. Bend of the wing yellow ; tail under 2'20. 

546. Grasshopper Sparrow. 

b. Breast black or blackish; lesser wing-coverts reddish brown. 

539. McCown's Longspur 6 . 

c. Breast buffy ; belly whitish ; outer tail-feathers white, next three 
or four more or less white with a black band at the end; seconda- 
ries not entirely white 530. McCown's Longspur 9 . 

d. Under parts entirely light brown or buffy, only two outer tail- 
feathers white; no yellow on the bend of the wing. 

537. Smith's Longspur. 

e. Under parts pure white, with a blackish spot on the center of the 
breast, a black stripe on the sides of the throat; sides of the 
crown and ear-coverts chestnut .... 552. Lark Sparrow. 

f. Wing slightly over 4;00 ; under parts pure white or washed with 
rusty ; head and rump white or rusty ; most of secondaries white. 

534. Snowflake. 
. Tail without large white spots or patches. 
A. Back plain, without distinct streaks. 

a. Back blue, bluish, or brownish blue. 

a 1 . Wing over 3 - 00; lesser wing-coverts chestnut or with broad 
chestnut tip.s 597. Blue Grosbeak. 

a 2 . Wing under 3'00 ; lesser wing-coverts blue or bluish, tipped 
with light brown 598. Indigo Bunting. 

b. Back green or greenish, or rump yellow or greenish yellow. 
b 1 . Mandibles not crossed. 

6 2 . Back greenish 601. Painted Bunting ? . 

b 3 . Back and under parts slaty gray ; bill black. 

515. Pine Grosbeak ( 9 and im.). 
b A . Forehead, rump, under parts, and scapulars yellow or brown- 
ish yellow; secondaries white; bill yellow. 

514. Evening Grosbeak 6 . 
c l . Mandibles crossed. 

c 9 . Wing-bars white .... 522. White-winged Crossbill. 

c 3 . Without white wing-bars 521. Am. Crossbill. 

19 



274 PINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

c. Hack brown or brownish, ashy, or slate-color. 

c l . Head and rump yellowish or reddish ; whig- bars white; wing 

OVer.^OP 515. Pink Grosbeak ( 9 and iin.). 

< a . Under parts brownish cream-buif; wing-coverts with broad 

chestnut tips; wing over 8*00 . . . 597. Blue Grosbeak 9. 

c 8 . Under parts whitish ; wing without yellow and under 3*00. 

598. Indigo Bunting 9. 
c 4 . Hack ashy ; spot before the eye and on bend of wing yellow. 

550. Seaside Sparrow. 
7>\ Hack distinctly streaked. 

a. Bend of the wing yellow. 
a 1 , Tail over 2*20. 

« a . A white throat-patch ; breast gray ; a yellowish line over 

the eye . 558. White-THROATED Sparrow. 

a 3 . A black spot on the throat; breast yellow, or both. 

604. DlOKOTSSEL. 
a 4 . No yellow over the eye; breast ashy or bully; outer tail- 
feathers much the shortest. 

575. Pine-woods Sparrow. 675a. Baohman's Sparrow. 
b l . Tail under 2'20, the feathers narrow and sharply pointed. 
b*. Crown olive-brown, a blue-gray line through its center; 
cheeks and breast ocliraccous-bulf. 

549a. Nelson's Sparrow. 
b*. Crown blackish, a cream bull' line through its center. 

546. Grasshopper Sparrow. 

b. Bend of the wing not yellow. 

b l . Crown bright reddish brown, the feathers sometimes tipped 
with ashy or brownish, but without black streaks, 

/A No white or whitish wing bars; outer tail-feathers much 
shorter than middle ones; lesser wing-coverts, upper tail- 
coverts, and margins of most of the tail-feathers rufous; wing 
under 2*50 584 Swamp Sparrow. 

b*. Cheeks and throat, ashy, a narrow reddish brown line from 
back of the eye to the nape, an indistinct black spot in the 
center of the breast 559. Tree Sparrow. 

b*. Eye-ring whitish, entire bill brownish llesh-eolor. 

568. Field Sparrow, 
b*. Rump slaty gray; under parts generally all grayish white; 
forehead blaek, with a narrow grayish line in its middle, a 
narrow bhiek line from back of the eye to the nape. 

660. Chipping Sparrow. 

c 1 . Crown Streaked or spotted with black or blaek and white. 
< a . OrOWn with ohestnut streaks, and sometimes ;i slight ashy 
line through its center; no white or whitish wing-bars; outer 
tail-feathers much shorter than middle ones. 

^\. Swamp SPARROW (Im.). 

c*. Crown with reddish brown; rump ashy; wing-bars butfy; 

middle tail-feathers shortest. 500. CHIPPING Sparrow (Im.). 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 275 

c 4 . Center of crown white; the sides black; wing-bars white. 

554. White-crowned Sparrow. 

c 6 . Crown grayish ; mandibles crossed . 521. Am. Crossbill. 

d l . Crown mixed grayish brown and rufous, ashy, or slate-color, 

without black streaks. 

d*. Wing 2-50; bill brownish flesh-color; back rufous, streaked 

with black 663. Field Sparrow. 

d*. Wing 3 - 00; center of crown grayish brown, bordered by 
chestnut -rufous; back grayish brown, spotted with olive- 
brown 554. White-crowned Sparrow. 

d*. Crown slate-color; a chestnut patch behind the eye; throat 

black P. 282. English Sparrow 6 . 

d b . Crown entirely dull brown ; lesser wing-coverts broadly 

tipped with buffy P. 282. English Sparrow 9 . 

|II. Under parts without red and with numerous streaks. 
1. Tail-feathers without white or yellow spots or patches, the outer ones 
little if any shorter than the middle pair. 

A. Head of about the same color as the back ; no yellow over the eye, or 
on the bend of the wing, or under wing-coverts. 

a. Kump yellowish or yellowish green ; mandibles crossed. 
a 1 . Wing-co verts tipped with white. 

522. White-winged Crossbill 9 . 
a 2 . Wing-coverts not tipped with white . . 521. Am. Crossbill 9 . 

b. Mandibles not crossed; rump brown or brownish or sandy like the 
back ; wing under 3-25. 

b l . Back pale brownish ashy, streaked with brownish ; a whitish 
streak over the eye ; legs flesh-color ; first primary as long or longer 

than the second 541. Ipswich Sparrow. 

6 a . Back and most of under parts streaked with black and reddish 
brown ; upper and under tail-coverts streaked ; first primary shorter 
than second; outer tail-feathers shorter than middle ones. 

581. Song Sparrow. 
b 3 . Back distinctly streaked; a cream-buff band across the breast. 

583. Lincoln's Finch. 
b 4 . Back grayish brown, the feathers with or without distinct 
streaks; first primaries nearly as long or longer than second; 
outer tail-feathers longer than middle pair; legs and feet black- 
ish ; with bristly feathers over the nostrils. 

517. Purple Finch 9 . 
/A Back without streaks; no bristly feathers over the nostrils. 

598. Indigo Bunting 9 . 

c. Mandibles not crossed; upper tail-feathers and tail bright reddish 
brown, without black streaks; rump brighter; wing about 3-50. 

585. Fox Sparrow. 
B. Head of about the same color as the back ; a yellow mark before the 
eye, or on the bend of the wing, or under wing-coverts. 
a. Wing about 4*00; under wing-coverts deep yellow. 

505. Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9. 



2VG PINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

b. Wing generally under 2*90; feathers of the crown black, bordered 
by chestnut-brown; a bully line through the center of crown. 

542a. Savanna Sparrow. 

c. Wing generally over 2*90 ; feathem of crown with small black cen- 
ters bordered with cinnamon-brown and pale brownish gray. 

541. Ipswich Sparrow. 

d. Wing about ,8*00 ; breast washed with yellow . . 604 Dickcissel. 

e. Wing about 8*00; sides brownish; throat white, quite different from 
the grayish breast 558. White-throated Sparrow. 

C. A bright red crown-cap; no yellow before the eye or on the bend of 
the wing. 
O. Rump and Hanks always heavily streaked with blackish. 

528. Redpoll and races. 
b. Bump white, generally without streaks; Hanks lightly streaked; 
more or less white in the feathers <>f the back, 

f> k 27. Greenland Redpoll. 527a. Hoary Redpoll. 

2. Tail-feathers without white or yellow patches, Harrow and generally 
sharply pointed, the outer feathers always much shorter than the middle 
pair, 

A. Crown of a different color from the back, or a bully line over the eye. 

a. Center of crown with a more or less distinct brownish or bully Line. 

a 1 . Nape dull, pale, olive green, of the same color as the line over the 

eye, but finely streaked with black ; back rufous-brown, streaked 

with black 547. Henslow's Sparrow. 

a*. Nape bright rufous-brown, the feathers bordered by gray; the 
feathers of the back black, bordered by bully whitish. 

548. Leconte's Sparrow, 
6. ('enter of crown with a more or less distinct stripe of ashy blue, 
b 1 . Breast and sides distinctly streaked with black or blackish. 

549. Sha rp tailed Sp irrow, 

b*. Breast and sides bully or brownish, the former generally without 

distinct black streaks . 549a. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 

5496. A.oadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 

]{. Crown of the same color as the back ; no bully line over the eye. 

a. A yellow spot before the eye and on the bend ofwing. 

a 1 . Upper parts very dark brown or black ; the leathers edged with 
olive-gray or ashy, breast generally with black streaks. (Florida.) 

550a. Scorr's SEASIDE SPARROW. 551. DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW, 

« 9 . Back olive-gray; breast with grayish brown streaks. 

550. Seaside Sparrow, 

b. No yellow before the eye; bend of the wing yellow. 

575. Pim: woods Sparrow. 575a. Bachman's Sparrow. 

c. No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing. 
c l . A broad cream-hull' band across the breast. 

588. Lincoln's Sparrow. 

r a . No cream buff band on the breast ; streaks on the breast tending 

to form a spot in its middle 581. Song Sparrow, 

3. Tail with white patches or base of tail yellow. 



PINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 217 

A. Base of the tail yellow 688. Pine Siskin. 

/;. Outer tail-feathers with white patches. 

a. Hind toe-nail shorter thai) the bill from the nostril. 

a 1 . Lesser wing-coverts rufous ; breast streaked with black. 

540. Vesper Sparrow* 

a 1 . Sides of crown and cur-coverts chestnut; a black spoton the ecu 

terofthe breast 552. Lark Sparrow. 

b. Hind toe-nail Longer than bill from nostril. 

b l . Under parte cream-buff'; tWO outer tail feathers mostly white. 

587. Smith's Loxospur. 
b*. Under parts whitish ■ breast streaked or spotted with black or 
entirely black; second outer tail feather with but little white. 

586. Lapland Loxospur, 



A Field Key to the 

Adult Male Finches and Sparrows of the Middle States 

(Virginia to Massachusetts) in Breeding Plumage. 

I. Breast with more or Less yellow. 
II. Breast blue. 

III. Breast or throat red. 

IV. Breast without either yellow, blue, or red. 

I. Breast with more or less yellow. 

A. Chin white, throat black; haunts grassy fields; song an unmusical 
effort of six or seven notes delivered with great earnestness from a 
low perch (rare east of the Alleghanies) 004. Dioeoissel. 

B. Under parts and breast pure yellow, crown and wings black; Bong a 
sweet canarylike warble; flight undulating, frequently accompanied 
by the notes cMe-o-ree, per-chlc-o-ree 529. Goldfinch. 

II. Breast blue. 

A. Length over 6*00 ; plumage deep blue, a chestnut bar across the wings 
(not found north of Virginia) M>7. Blue Grosbeak. 

B. Length under 6*00; plumage indigo-blue; haunts woody fields, scrub 
or second growth; song clear and musical, generally delivered from a 
tree-top 598. Indigo Bunting. 

III. Breast or throat red. 

./. Length 8*00; throat and region about the base of the bill black, rest 
of the plumage bright vermilion-red ; head with a conspicuous crest; 
song a rich, musical whistle; call-note an insignificant cheep; haunts 
thickets and bushy woodland (rare north of New York city). 

598. Cardinal. 

B. Length 7-50; breast rose red ; belly, tip of the tail, rump, and a hand 
in the wings white ; resi of the plumage black ; haunts wooded growths; 
song loud, clear, and highly musical ; call-note a metallic peek, 

595. Rose breasted Grosbeak. 

C. Length under 6*50; plumage more or less heavily washed with dull 



278 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

reddish ; haunts orchards and wooded growths; song n liquid warble; 
call-note a metallic chink, frequently uttered while on the wing. 

r>i7. Purple Finch. 

I). Length about 0*00; plumage dull blood-red; mandibles crossed at 

the tips; generally found in small flocks in coniferous woods; utters 

a clicking or whistled note when on the wing (rarely found south of 

New England after May 1) 521. Red Crossbill. 

K. Breast white, tinged with brown; region about the bill red, a yellow 
hand in the wings (rare except in the vicinity of New York city). 

European Goldfinch. 
IV. Breast without either yellow, red, or blue* 
1. Under parts distinctly streaked or spotted. 

A. Outer tail-feathers white, showing conspicuously when the bird 
Hies; haunts dry iields and roadsides; song loud and musical. 

540. VESPER Sparrow. 

B. Outer tail-feathers not white. 

a. Song loud and musical; an abundant and familiar bird of gen- 
eral distribution; spots on the breast tending to form one larger 
spot in the center; crown umber, a whitish line over the eye. 

581. Sonu Sparrow. 

b. Song not loud and musical; short and generally unattractive; 
haunts wet meadows or marshes; passes most of the; time on the 
ground, rarely perching far from it, and when Hushed generally 

returning to it. 

b l . A bully line over the eye and at the side of the throat, breast 
generally washed with bully ; haunts only salt marshes (rarely 
found far from the vicinity of the seashore.) 

549. Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 
b*. No buff on the sides of the head or breast; upper parts black- 
ish; song ts/p-ts}j>-ts//>\w-('-?-s'r-r-r ; rarely breeds south of 
New York city ; haunts both salt- and fresh-water marshes. 

64'2«. Savanna Sparrow. 
b 3 . Hack reddish, head and neck buffy olive; haunts generally 
wet pastures; song an inconspicuous sa-tvick (rather rare, liv- 
ing in small colonies of local distribution). 

547. HENSLOW's Sparrow. 
2. Under parts not distinctly streaked or spotted. 

A. Throat pure white, sharply defined from the grayish breast, a 
yellow spot over the eye; crown black, With a central stripe of 
white; haunts thickets or bushy woodlands; song a high, clear, 
musical whistle; call note a sharp ohink. 

f>f>s. White-throated Sparrow. 
/A Throat and breast black. 

a. Sides of the throat and belly white, crown ash, sides of the 
head chestnut P. 282. HOUSE Sparrow. 

b. Length 8*00; sides of the body light rufous, outer tail-feathers 
tipped with white; haunts thickets and bushy woodlands; call- 
note a vigorous towhei or c/ac wink 687. TowHEE. 






FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 279 

C. Throat and breast slate-color, like the back ; belly and outer tail- 
feathers white ; bill tiesh-color (nests in the Middle States only on 
the higher parts of the Alleghanies) 567. Junco. 

D. Under parts white or whitish, practically all one color. 

a. Haunts wet marshes. 

a 1 . Haunts always salt marshes, generally near the sea ; back 
grayish 550. Seaside Sparrow. 

a 2 . Haunts both salt- and fresh-water marshes; back brown, 
streaked with black; cap and wings chestnut; song a loud, 
sharp, rapidly repeated iceet-iceet-weet, etc. 

584 Swamp Sparrow. 

b. Haunts dry fields, pastures, roadsides, lawns, thickets, etc. 

b 1 . Outer tail-feathers white, middle of the breast with a small 
black spot (not found east of the Alleghanies). 

552. Lark Finch. 
c l . Outer tail-feathers not white. 

c 2 . Upper parts reddish-brown, bill pinkish flesh-color; haunts 
bushy fields and pastures; song a musical, plaintive cher- 
wee, cher-wtt, cher-wee, cheeo-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee. 

563. Field Sparrow, 
o 3 . Bill dark brown, a buify line through the center of the 
ground; song an insect-like pit-tulc, zee-zee-zee-zee-zee. 

546. Grasshopper Sparrow. 

c*. Back streaked with black, cap chestnut, a white line 

over the eye, bill black ; song a monotonous chippy-chippy- 

cJiippy, etc 560. Chipping Sparrow. 

c 6 . Larger, length about 7"00 ; crown black, with a white 
central stripe ; throat not noticeably different from the 
breast; no yellow over the eye (rare; nests north of New 
England) 554. White-crowned Sparrow. 

514. Cocothraustes vespertinus (Coop.). Evening Grosbeak. 
Ad. 6 . — Forehead yellow, crown black ; sides of head olive-brown, becoming 
dull yellow on rump; belly and scapulars yellow, wings and tail black; 
end half of the secondaries and their coverts white. Ad. 9 . — Brownish gray, 
lighter on the under parts, more or less tinged with yellow, especially on the 
nape ; wings black, inner primaries white at the base, secondaries edged with 
white ; tail black, the feathers tipped with white on the inner web ; upper 
tail-coverts black tipped with white. L., 8-00 ; \V., 4-50 ; T., 3-50 ; B., 72. 

Range. — Interior of North America, from Manitoba northward; southeast- 
ward in winter to the upper Mississippi Valley and casually to the northern 
Atlantic States. 

Cambridge, known to have occurred only in winter of lSSG-^O. 

Nest, known but from few specimens, composed of small twigs lined with 
bark, hair, or rootlets, placed within twenty feet of the ground. Eggs, three 
to four, greenish, blotched with pale brown (see Davie . 

This distinguished inhabitant of the far northwest is a common 
winter visitant in Manitoba and the contiguous parts of the bordering 



280 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

States. At irregular intervals it invades the northern Mississippi 
Valley in numbers, while still more rarely it extends its wanderings 
to the north Atlantic States. It travels in flocks of from six or eight 
to sixty individuals which by their tameness show their ignorance of 
man and his ways. They feed largely on the buds or seeds of trees — 
maple, elder, and box elder. Their notes are described by different 
observers as a shrill " cheepy-teet" and a " frog-like peep" while one 
writer remarks that " the males have a single metallic cry like the 
note of a trumpet, and the females a loud chattering like the large 
Cherry Birds (Ampelis garruius)." Their song is given as a wander- 
ing, jerky warble, beginning low, suddenly increasing in power, and 
as suddenly ceasing, as though the singer were out of breath. 

During the winter and early spring of 1890 there was a phenom- 
enal incursion of Evening Grosbeaks into the Northern States, ac- 
counts of which, by Amos W. Butler, will be found in The Auk, ix, 
1892, pp. 238-247; x, 1893, pp. 155-157. 

515. Pinicola enucleator (Linn.). Pine Grosbeak. Ad. 6 — 
Slaty gray, more or less strongly washed with rose-red, strongest on the 
crown, rump, upper tail-coverts, and breast; wings fuscous, their coverts 
edged with white ; tail fuscous. Ad. 9 . — Slaty gray, crown, upper tail-cov- 
erts, and breast more or less strongly washed with olive-yellow ; wings and 
tail as in the 6 . Im.— Kesembles the 9 . L., 9-08 ; W., 4*36 ; T., 3*67 ; B., -54. 

Range. — " Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding far 
north ; in winter south, in North America, irregularly to the northern United 
States." 

Washington, casual in winter. Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Dec. 18 to 
Apl. 12. Cambridge, irregular W. V., frequently common, sometimes abun- 
dant. Nov. to Mch. 

Nest, of twigs and rootlets lined with finer materials, in coniferous trees a 
few feet up. Eggs, " pale greenish blue, spotted and blotched with dark brown 
surface markings and lilac shell -spots, 1*05 x *74." 

The Pine Grosbeak, like the Spruce Partridge and Canada Jay, may 
be said to find its true home in the coniferous forest or Canadian belt, 
which crosses the continent diagonally from Maine to Alaska. 

Like many of its congeners in this inhospitable region, it nests so 
early in the springtime that the winter's frost and snow are still 
dominant among the evergreens when the eggs come to claim the at- 
tention of the pair. 

Its habits at this season are but little known, as very few natural- 
ists have had the opportunity of seeing it in its native pine wood. 
But in midwinter, when it comes southward in search of food, it is a 
well-known frequenter, in flocks, of plantations of mountain-ash trees, 
or groups of sumach bushes, whose unfallen berries provide it with a 
bountiful supply of nourishing diet. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 281 

It is said to make an admirable cage-bird, as it readily takes to 
confinement, and during the springtime has a prolonged and melo- 
dious song. 

Its form has a general resemblance to that of the common Robin, 
but its very short, thick beak and its forked tail are striking differ- 
ences. It is rather slow and inactive when in a tree, and when on the 
wing it has a loud whistle which is very characteristic; at all times 
its colors, as above described, should distinguish the bird at a very 
considerable distance. Ernest E. Thompson. 

517. Carpodacus purpureus (Ghrnel.). Purple Finch. Ad. s. 

— Entire body suffused with rose-red, strongest on the head, rump, and breast, 
more brownish on the back ; whiter, gen- 
erally white, on the belly ; wings and tail 
brownish fuscous, the outer webs of the 
feathers finely edged with rose-red ; a 
small tuft of bristly feathers over the 
nostrils; outer tail-feathers longest. 
Ad. 9 . — Very different, sparrowlike in 
appearance ; upper parts dark grayish 
brown, finely streaked with black ; wings 
and tail dark grayish brown ; under 
parts white, streaked, or with wedge- 
shaped spots of fuscous. L., 6*22 ; W., 

3-24 : T., 2-29 ; B., -45. 

„ ■ , ' - , i -j j Fig. 79.— Purple Finch. (Natural 

Remarks. — Females bear a decided size.) 

resemblance to some Sparrows, but the 

rounded bill, tufts of feathers over the nostrils, and forked tail are distin- 
guishing characters. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and 
Long Island northward ; winters from the northern States to the Gulf. 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. 15 to May 15, largely a migrant. Sing 
Sing, rare P. R., common T. V. Cambridge, P. K., very common from Mch. to 
Oct. ; irregular, but sometimes abundant, in winter. 

Nest, of twigs, grasses, and rootlets, thickly lined with long hairs, in conif- 
erous trees, five to thirty feet up. Eggs, four to six, blue, spotted about the 
larger end with fuscous, *79 x -56. 

During the nesting season the Purple Finch frequently takes up 
its abode in private grounds, even becoming a familiar garden bird, 
while others of its race find a congenial home in wild mountain forests, 
far away from the society of man. The rosy plumage of the males 
makes it attractively noticeable as a garden bird ; but a serious offense 
must be charged against it — it has far too ready a taste for the blos- 
soms of fruit trees, and is perhaps the most confirmed bud-eater of 
all our birds. It has naturally a roving disposition, and, in the autumn 
especially, seems ever to be impelled by some restless impulse. At this 




282 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

season it may often be seen descending with airy, sweeping flight into 
some leafless treetop, as if from a far aerial journey, its identity made 
known by its very characteristic utterance, a short, rather dull-sound- 
ing note, scarcely metallic — the metal pressed the instant the bell is 
struck. 

Although the Purple Finch often essays to sing in the autumn 
and earliest spring, its full powers of voice belong alone to the nuptial 
season. Then it easily takes its place among our noteworthy song 
birds. Its full song is a sweet-toned, carelessly flowing warble — not 
too brief to miss definite character as a song, and positive enough in 
modulation and delivery to find ready place in the memory. At times, 
indeed, its singing is of a character not to be easily forgotten. The 
song bursts forth as if from some uncontrollable stress of gladness, 
and is repeated uninterruptedly over and over again, while the ecstatic 
bird rises high into the air, and, still singing, descends into the trees. 

Eugene P. Bicknell. 

Passer domesticus {Linn.). House Sparrow ; English Sparrow. 
Ad. 6 . — Crown gray, bordered from the eye backward and on the nape by 
chestnut; lesser wing-coverts chestnut, middle coverts tipped with white; 
back streaked with black and chestnut ; rump ashy ; middle of the throat and 
breast black ; sides of the throat white ; belly whitish. Ad. 9 . — Head and 
rump grayish brown; back streaked with black and deep ochraceous-buff; 
under parts dirty whitish, the breast and sides washed with pale grayish 
brown. L., 6'33 ; W., 3-01 ; T., 2-30 ; B., -48. 

Range.—" Nearly the whole of Europe, but replaced in Italy by P. italics, 
extending eastward to Persia and Central Asia, India, and Ceylon" (Sharpe). 
Introduced and naturalized in America, Australia, New Zealand, etc. 

Nest, of any available material in any available place. Eggs, varying from 
pUiin white to almost uniform olive-brown, generally white, iinely and evenly 
marked with olive, 1-86 x -62. 

We learn from Bulletin No. 1 of the Division of Economic Orni- 
thology and Mammalogy of the United States Department of Agri- 
culture* that this pest was first introduced into the United States at 
Brooklyn, New York, in 1851 and 1852. As late as 1870 it was largely 
confined to the cities of the Atlantic States, but since that date, partly 
through man's agency and partly through the bird's rapid increase in 
numbers and adaptability, it has spread over most of the United States 
and Canada east of the great plains, and isolated colonies are estab- 
lished throughout the west. 

* The English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in North America, especially in 
its Relations to Agriculture. Prepared under the Direction of Dr. C. Hart Mer- 
riam, Ornithologist, by Walter B. Barrows, Assistant Ornithologist, Washington, 

1889. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 283 

This report shows that in ten years the progeny of a single pair of 
Sparrows might amount to 275,716,983,698 ! It also states that during 
the year 1886 the Sparrow added approximately 516,500 square miles 
to the territory occupied by it. The day is evidently near at hand, 
therefore, when the English Sparrow will be in complete possession of 
the country. 

The European Tree Sparrow {Passer montarms) has become naturalized 
in and about St. Louis, Missouri. 

521. Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). American Crossbill; 
Red Crossbill. Ad. <$ .— Tips of the mandibles crossed; body dull red, 
brighter on the rump, browner on the back ; wings and tail fuscous. Ad. 9 . 
Dull olive-green, yellower on the rump, indistinctly mottled with blackish on 
the head and back, mixed with whitish on the under parts. Im. $ . — Similar 
to the 9 , or mixed red and green. L., 6*19 ; W., 3'40 ; T., 2*13 ; B., -66. 

Range. — Breeds from the Northern States northward, and, in the Allegha- 
nies, southward to the Carolinas; in winter wanders irregularly southward, 
sometimes reaching the Gulf States. 

Washington, irregular W. V., sometimes abundant. Sing Sing, irregu- 
lar; noted in almost every month. Cambridge, of irregular occurrence at all 
seasons. 

Nest, of twigs and grasses, lined with bits of moss and rootlets, in conifer- 
ous trees, fifteen to thirty feet up. Eggs, three to four, " pale greenish, spotted 
and dotted about the larger end with various shades of brown and lavender 
shell-markings, 1*75 x *57." 

These parrotlike Finches are famous for their erratic wanderings. 
They seem to have no regard for the laws of migration which regu- 
late the journeys of most birds, and, having no home ties, may linger 
in regions which offer them abundant fare without much regard to 
season. They nest early in the spring, sometimes when they are far 
south of their breeding range, but they seem quite unconcerned by 
their unusual surroundings, and their young are born and raised in 
a foreign land. 

Coniferous forests form their natural surroundings, and their bills 
are especially adapted to aid them in forcing off the scales from the 
cones of these trees to obtain the seed within. 

They live in flocks, and when in the trees climb about like Parrots, 
sometimes exhibiting as little fear of man as Polly on her pedestal. 
When feeding, they have a short, whistled call-note ; they take wing in 
a body, and their undulating flight is accompanied by a sharp click- 
ing or whistled note. Their song is described as " varied and pleas- 
ing, but not powerful or in any respect remarkable." 

522. Loxia leucoptera Gmel. White-winged Crossbill. Ad. s . 
— Tips of the mandibles crossed / body dull pink, brighter on the rump, more 



284 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

or less marked with black on the back ; belly whitish ; wings and tail black, 
the greater and middle wing-coverts, and sometimes tertials, tipped with 
white. Ad. 9 . — Dull olive-green, yellow on the rump, grayer on the under 
parts, mottled with blackish on the head and back; wings and tail as in 
the $ . Im. $ . — Similar to 9 , but passes through a party-colored plumage 
while becoming mature, and, as in the preceding species, is subject to much 
variation. L., 6'05 ; W., 3-27 ; T., 2-41 ; B., -62. 

Range. — Breeds from the Northern States northward ; in winter wanders 
irregularly southward, sometimes reaching Illinois and Virginia. 

Washington, casual. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. 29 to Dec. 6. Cambridge, 
irregular W. V. 

Nest, of twigs and strips of birch bark, covered exteriorly with moss 
( Usnea), and lined with soft moss and hair, on the fork of an evergreen in 
deep forests. Eggs, three (?), pale blue, spotted and streaked near larger end 
with reddish brown and lilac, *80 x -55 (Chamberlain). 

Colonel Gross writes that in general habits these birds resemble the 
American Crossbill. Their flight is swift and undulating. While 
feeding and moving about they are quite noisy, almost constantly 
uttering a plaintive wheep or cheeping note. Their song is low, soft, 
and sweet, much like that of the American Goldfinch. 

527* Acanthis hornemannii ( Holb.). Greenland Bedpoll. — Simi- 
lar to the next, but " larger (length about 5-50-6-50), with proportionally 
thicker and less acute bill. 8 W., 3-37 ; T., 2*75; exposed culmen, -35; depth 
ofB. at base, -31." 

Range. — " Northern Greenland (breeding from 69°-73° N. latitude) and 
eastern arctic America, south to Labrador in winter" (Kidgw.). 

527a* A. h. exilipes {Cones). Hoary Bedpoll. Ad. $. — Bill very 
sharply pointed, a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils ; crown-cap 
bright red ; back dark grayish brown, the feathers more or less margined with 
white ; rump white, generally unstreaked, and tinged with pink ; wings and 
tail brownish fuscous, the feathers all more or less edged with white ; middle 
of the throat blackish, breast tinged with pink, belly white, a few streaks on 
the side. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with no pink on the rump or breast. Im. — 
Similar to the 9 , but without the red crown-cap. L., 5-00 ; W., 3*00 ; T., 
2-30 ; B., -30. 

Remarks. — This species is to be distinguished from Acanthis linaria and 
its races by the greater amount of white in its plumage, its unstreaked rump, 
and comparatively unstreaked under parts. 

Range.— Arctic regions; south in winter rarely to the northern United 
States. 

Cambridge, casual W. V. 

Nest, of grass and twigs lined with feathers, in a low tree or on the 
ground. Eggs, three to five, white, tinged with blue or green, spotted with 
reddish brown, -65 x -50 (Chamberlain). 

528. Acanthis linaria {Linn.). Redpoll. Ad. &. — Bill very 
sharply pointed, a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils; crown-cap 




FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 285 

bright red ; back fuscous grayish brown, the feathers margined with ochra- 
ceous-buff; rump tinged with pink ; wings and tail fuscous, the feathers more 
or less edged with whitish ; middle of the throat blackish, breast suffused with 
pink, belly white, sides streaked with fuscous. 
Ad. 9 .—Similar, but without pink on the rump 
or breast, the sides more heavily streaked. Im. 
—Similar to the 9 , but without a red crown- 
cap. L., 532 ; W., 2-80 ; T., 2-32 ; B., -36 ; depth 
of B. at base, *22. 

Range.— Breeds in the northern parts of 
the northern hemisphere ; in winter migrates 
irregularly southward, in America, to Illinois 
and Virginia. 

Washington, very rare and irregular W. V. Fig. 80.-Red^lL (Natural 
Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Nov. 25 to Mch. 
26. Cambridge, irregular W. V., often very abundant, Oct. 25 to Apl. 10. 

Nest, of dry grass and moss lined with hair, feathers, or plant down, in a 
low tree or tuft of grass. Eggs, four to six, wdiite, tinged with green or blue, 
spotted with reddish brown, -65 x -50 (Chamberlain). 

The little Redpoll is one of those birds that are best known as win- 
ter visitors. Sometimes it comes from the north in flocks when driven 
from home by the annual failure of the food supply, and speedily at- 
tracts attention by frequenting the gardens and orchards, even when 
these are within the limits of a town. In general habits it resembles 
a Goldfinch, and while with us it finds its wants supplied chiefly by 
the various grasses and herbs which project through the snow and 
still retain their seed in spite of wind and weather. It is noted for its 
affectionate and confiding disposition, and although it is not known 
to breed in captivity it has always proved an easily tamed and inter- 
esting pet. Ernest E. Thompson. 

528a. A. 1. holboellii (Rrehm). Holbcell's Redpoll.— Similar to 

A. iinaria, but larger, the bill longer. W., 3-20 ; T., 2'35 ; B., -38 ; depth of 

B. at base, -22. 

Range. — "Northern coasts of Europe and Asia (Norway to Japan), and 
portions of Alaska 1 ' ; casual in eastern North America. 

This is an intermediate between A. linaria and A. I. rostrata, most 
closely approaching the former, from which it sometimes can with 
difficulty be distinguished. It is an exceedingly rare bird in eastern 
North America, where there are but two records of its occurrence : 
Quebec (Ridgway) and Massachusetts (Brewster). 

528b. A. 1. rostrata (Coues). Greater Redpoll. — Similar to A. 
linaria, but larger, the margin to the feathers of the upper parts averaging 
darker, the bill shorter and stouter. L., 5-50; W., 3'20 ; T., 2-55; B., -35; 
depth of B. at base, -28. 



286 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

Range. — " Southern Greenland in summer, migrating south, in winter, 
through Labrador to (sparingly) the northern border of the United States 
(New England, lower Hudson Valley, northern Illinois, ete.), and west to 
Manitoba" (Ridgw.). 

Sing Sing, A. V. Cambridge, irregular W. V., Nov. to Feb. 

" The Greater Redpoll is often rather common, and in February, 
1883, it occurred along the seacoast near Boston in positive abundance. 
On the 19th of this month Mr. Spelman and I took thirteen specimens 
at Revere Beach in about two hours ; and on the 22d, at Nantasket 
Beach, two young collectors, by a few random shots into an excep- 
tionally large, mixed flock of Redpolls, secured forty specimens, of 
which six proved to be A. linaria and thirty-four rostrata. 

"As one sees them in winter in New England, the forms just men- 
tioned, with A. homemannii exilipes, do not differ appreciably in 
notes, habits, or general appearance. It is true that A. I. rostrata 
may be often recognized by its superior size, but the birds as a rule 
are so nervous and restless, and when in large flocks so constantly in 
motion and so likely to depart altogether at any moment, that a free 
use of the gun is ordinarily indispensable to positive identification " 
(Brewster, Minot's Land Birds and Game Birds, 2d ed., App., p. 472). 

529. Spinus tristis (Linn.). American Goldfinch; Yellow- 
bird; Thistle-bird. Ad. $. — Crown-cap black; back and under parts 
bright yellow ; wings black, the coverts and secondaries tipped with white ; 
tail black, the feathers with white on their inner webs. Ad. 9 . — Upper 
parts grayish brown with an olive tinge ; wings and tail as in the 6 , but 
somewhat more dusky and the white markings less distinct; under parts 
whitish, washed with buffy brown and more or less tinged with yellow, espe- 
cially on the throat. Ad. 8 in winter. — Similar to the ad. 9 , but with the 
wings and tail as in summer. L., 5-10; W., 2*82; T., 195; B., -40. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from South Carolina to southern 
Labrador; winters from the northern United States to the Gulf. 

Washington, common P. K. Sing Sing, common P. K. Cambridge, very 
common P. R. 

Nest, externally of fine grasses, strips of bark, and moss, thickly lined 
with thistle down, in trees or bushes, live to thirty feet up. Eggs, three to 
six, pale bluish white, -65 x *48. 

Except when nesting, Goldfinches are generally found in small 
flocks. Few birds seem to enjoy life more than these merry rovers. 
Every month brings them a change of fare, and in pursuit of fresh 
dainties the nesting-time is delayed almost until summer begins to wane. 

Seed-bearing plants, whether in field or garden, form their larder ; 
the old sunflowers rattle before their vigorous attack; the thistles 
spring into sudden blossom of black and gold as they swing from the 
nodding heads. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 287 

Their flight is expressive of their joyous nature, and as they bound 
through the air they hum a gay 



>$?" 






Their love song is delivered with an ecstasy and abandon which car- 
ries them off their feet, and they circle over the fields sowing the air 
with music. The song has a canarylike character, and while it is less 
varied it possesses a wild, ringing quality wanting in the cage-bound 
bird's best efforts. 

The Black-headed Goldfinch (582. Spinus notatus), a Mexican species, 
is recorded by Audubon from Kentucky, where its occurrence is, of course, 
purely accidental. 

533. Spinus pinus (Wils.). Pine Siskin; Pine Finch. Ad.— Bill 
sharply pointed, a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils ; upper parts 
streaked with black, the feathers margined with buffy ; wings fuscous, most 
of the feathers margined with yellow, and yellow at the base ; tail fuscous, 
all but the middle feathers yellow at the base ; under parts white, tinged with 
buffy and heavily streaked with black. L., 5-00 ; W., 2*76 ; T., 1-90 ; B., -40. 

Remarks. — The yellow markings in the wings and tail of this species will 
always serve to distinguish it. 

Range. — North America generally; breeds mostly north of the United 
States ; winters as far south as the Gulf. 

Washington, irregularly abundant W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, irregu- 
lar P. R. Cambridge, irregular W. V., Sept. to May ; sometimes very abun- 
dant. 

JVest, of twigs and rootlets, lined with plant down and long hairs, in conif- 
erous trees. Eggs, four, pale bluish white, thinly spotted with reddish brown, 
*G7 x *46. 

Like the American Crossbill, this bird is rather erratic in its move- 
ments, and its presence or absence at any season can never be predicted 
with certainty. It resembles the American Goldfinch in habits, but is 
more often found about coniferous trees, and its notes and song are 
less musical. It has been found nesting in May at Sing Sing, N. Y. 
(Fisher), and at Cornwall-on-Hudson (Allen). 

Carduelis carduelis (Linn.). European Goldfinch. Ad. — Region 
about the base of the bill bright red ; crown, and a stripe extending from it 
on to the sides of the neck, black; back cinnamon-brown; wings black, 
crossed by a broad yellow band ; tail black, the inner webs of the feathers 
tipped with white ; under parts white, the sides tinged with the color of the 
back. L., 5-50 ; W., 3-00 ; T., 2-95 ; B., -50. 



288 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

liange. — " Europe generally, except extreme northern part" (Sharpe). In- 
troduced near New York city and Boston. 

Nest, externally, of grasses and plant down, lined with plant down, in 
coniferous trees. Eggs, four to five, white, with purplish spots, *72 x -50. 

This European species was introduced into this country at Ho- 
boken, N. J., in 1878. The following year it appeared in Central 
Park, New York city. It has since spread over the northern parts 
of the city, and in favorable places is a not uncommon permanent 
resident. It has also been introduced in the vicinity of Boston, Mass., 
where it is to be found in small numbers. In general habits it resem- 
bles its American cousin, with which it sometimes associates. 

534. Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.). Snowflake; Snow Bunt- 
ing. Ad. $ in summer. — Whole head and neck, rump, and under parts white ; 
back and scapulars black ; wings white, the end half of the primaries and 
inner secondaries black ; outer tail-feathers white, inner ones black. Ad. 9 
in summer. — Similar, but entire upper parts streaked with black ; primaries 
all fuscous ; secondaries more or less tipped with fuscous. 6 in winter. — 
Upper parts a kind of rusty brown, almost umber on the center of the crown ; 
back streaked with black, caused by the black bases of the feathers showing 
through their rusty tips ; wings and tail much as in summer, but more or less 
edged with rusty ; under parts white, the breast and sides washed with rusty. 
9 in winter. — Similar to $ , but the primaries all fuscous. L., 6'88 ; W., 4*07 ; 
T., 2-70 ; B., -42. 

Range. — "Northern parts of the northern hemisphere, breeding in the 
arctic regions; in North America, south in winter into the northern United 
States, irregularly to Georgia, southern Illinois, and Kansas." 

Washington, W. V., casual, one instance. Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Oct. 
25 to Mch. 22. Cambridge, common W. V., Oct. 25 to Mch. 25 ; abundant in 
migrations. 

Nest, of grasses, rootlets, and moss, lined with finer grasses and feathers, 
on the ground. Eggs, four to seven, pale bluish white, thinly marked with 
umber or heavily spotted or washed with rufous-brown, -85 x -64. 

The Snowflake may readily be known by the fact that it is the only 
one of our sparrowlike birds that has white predominating on its 
wings and tail, as well as on its body. It feeds exclusively on seeds, 
and is so much like the Shorelark in habits that the two species occa- 
sionally associate. The Snowflake is also strictly a ground bird, never 
perching on a tree, though it often does so on a house or fence. It 
always progresses by walking, not by hopping. 

Throughout Canada and the northern tier of States this is the 
familiar little white bird of winter. As soon as the chill season comes 
on in icy rigors, the merry Snowflakes appear in great flocks, and come 
foraging about the barnyards when there is no bare ground left in the 
adjacent fields. Apparently they get but little to eat, but in reality 
they always find enough to keep them in health and spirits, and are as 




FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 289 

fat as butter balls. In midwinter, in the far north, when the ther- 
mometer showed thirty degrees below zero, and the chill blizzard was 
blowing on the plains, I have seen this brave little bird gleefully 
chasing his fellows, and pouring out as he flew his sweet, voluble song 
with as much spirit as ever Skylark has in the sunniest days of June. 
As long as the snow lasts the Snowflake stays, and as soon as the 
ground grows bare and there is promise of better days, this bird of 
winter betakes himself again to the north, as far as ever human foot 
has been, and there builds his nest. Ernest E. Thompson. 

536. Calcarius lapponicus {Linn.). Lapland Longspur. Ad. $ 
mmer. — Hind toe-nail as long as or longer than toe ; head, neck, throat, 

and breast black ; a butfy line behind the eye ; nape rufous ; back streaked 

with black and ochraceous- and cream -buff; tail 

fuscous, the two outer feathers with more or less 

white; belly white; sides streaked with black. 

Ad. ? in summer. — Upper parts streaked with 

black, rufous, ochraceous- and cream-buff'; nape 

ochraceous-buif, the color sometimes concealed 

by the tips of the feathers ; tail fuscous, the outer 

one or two feathers marked with white ; under 

parts white, the breast and sides streaked with T 

j , . „ . . A -,. . Fig. 81.— Hind toe of Lap- 

black and ochraceous- bun. 6 in winter. — feimi- land Longspur. 

lar to $ in summer, but upper parts blacker, nape 

more rufous, breast more heavily marked with black, most of the feathers 

black at the base. $ in winter. — Similar to 9 in summer, but upper parts duller, 

nape with little or no ochraceous. L., 6*25 : W., 3*75 ; T., 2*55 ; B., -40. 

Remarks. — In some plumages this teird bears a general resemblance to cer- 
tain Sparrow r s, but differs from them in having the hind toe-nail as long as or 
longer than the toe. 

Range. — "Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding far 
north ; in North America, south in winter to the northern United States, 
irregularly to the Middle States, accidentally to South Carolina." 

Washington, W. V.. casual, one instance, Dec. Sing Sing, W. V., casual. 

X-.<t. of grasses and moss lined with grasses, on the ground. Eggs, four 
to six, bluish white, almost obscured by a uniform grayish brown, -82 x -60. 

In the east Lapland Longspurs are generally found among flocks 
of Shorelarks or Snowflakes, but on the western plains they occur in 
great numbers. '* High in the air they fly in long, straggling flocks, 
all singing together; a thousand voices, a tornado of whistling. . . . 
When in the fields they have a curious habit of squatting just behind 
some clod, and, as their colors are nearly matched to the soil, they are 
not easily observed, nor will they move until you are within a few 
feet ; they then run a few feet and squat again. . . .'" (Thompson). 

537. Calcarius pictus Strains.). Smith's Longspur. Ad. 8 in sum- 
mer. — Top and sides of the head black, a line over the eye and the ear-coverts 

20 



290 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

white; back and rump streaked with black and ochraceous-buff'; lesser wing- 
coverts black, broadly tipped with white; tail fuscous, the two outer feathers 
mostly white; nape and under parts ochraceous-buff*. Ad. ? in summer. — 
Upper parts black, the feathers margined and tipped with pale cream-buff; 
two outer tail-feathers mostly white; under parts pale cream-buff'; breast and 
sides sometimes lightly streaked with blackish. 6 in winter. — Similar to ? 
in summer, but with the lesser wing-coverts black, tipped with white. L., 
6-00; W., 3-75; T., 2*50; B., -42. 

Hinge. — Interior of arctic America (chiefly Mackenzie River Valley) in 
summer, breeding north to the arctic coast and upper Yukon Valley; south, 
in winter, over the Great Plains and prairies to Illinois, Texas, etc. 

Nesting, similar to that of the preceding. 

" Their habits are quite similar to those of P. lapponicus while 
upon the ground. . . . When flushed they invariably uttered a sharp 
clicking note, rapidly repeated several times. When driven from their 
feeding place by my approach they would rise in a loose flock, and, 
after wheeling about a few times, start off in a direct line, gradually 
rising higher until they disappeared. After a short time their pecul- 
iar note would be heard, and, darting down from a considerable height, 
they would alight near the place from which they were driven " 
(Nelson). 

The Chestnut-collared Longspur (538. Calcarius ornatus), a species of 
the Great Plains, has been recorded from Massachusetts and Long Island. 

McCown's Longspur (539. Rhynchophanes mccownii), a species of the 
Great Plains of the interior, is of casual occurrence in Illinois. 

540. Poocaetes gramineus (Gmel.). Vesper Sparrow; Bay- 
winged Bunting ; Grass Finch. Ad.— Upper parts brownish gray, streaked 
with black and a little ochraceous-buff ; wings fuscous, greater and middle 

coverts tipped with white, 
lesser coverts bright rufous; 
tail fuscous, the outer feather 
mostly white, the next one 
with much less white ; under 
parts white; the breast and 
sides streaked with black and 
ochraceous-buff. L.,6'12; W., 
3*06 ; T., 2-38 ; B., -41. 
Fig. 82 -Tail-feathers of Vesper Sparrow. Remarks.-The white tail- 

feathers and rufous lesser 
wing-coverts will always distinguish this species from any of our Sparrows. 

Kan ge.— North America; breeds from southern Illinois and Virginia 
northward to New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters on the Atlantic coast 
from Virginia southward. 

Washington, P. R., very common in migrations, less so in summer and 




FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 291 

winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. R., A pi. 2 to Nov. 4. Cambridge, 
very common S. K., Apl. 5 to Oct. 15. 

Nest, of rather coarse grass, lined with finer grasses, rootlets, and long 
bail's, on the ground. Eggs, four to five, bluish white or pinkish white, 
speckled and spotted with rufous-brown or umber, 1*83 x -61. 

In walking through dry upland fields or along dusty roadsides a 
rather pale, streaked Sparrow will sometimes run rapidly ahead of 
you, wait for you to catch up, then run ahead again. It is best to be 
content with what measure of his confidence and society he voluntarily 
grants you, for, if you quicken your steps and try to overtake him, he 
will rise and bound on before you or swing off to one side, showing, as 
he flies, the white feathers on either side of his tail. 

Frequently he will alight on a fence rail or even the higher branch 
of a tree, for, although a field Sparrow, he is by no means a purely ter- 
restrial one. When singing, he generally selects an elevated perch and 
gives himself entirely to his musical devotions. Early morning and 
late afternoon are his favorite hours, but he can be heard at other 
times. His song, which is loud, clear, and ringing, may be heard at 
a distance of several hundred yards. It resembles that of the Song 
Sparrow, but is sweeter and more plaintive. When heard in the even- 
ing it is a truly inspired and inspiring melody. 

541. Ammodramus princeps (Mayn.). Ipswich Sparrow. Ad — 

Generally with a spot of sulphur-yellow before the eye and on the bend of 
the wing; upper parts pale brownish ashy, streaked on the head, back, and 
upper tail-coverts with black and cinnamon-brown; the nape and rump with 
few or no streaks; a white line over the eye; wings grayish brown, outer 
webs of greater coverts and tertiais margined with pale ochraceous-bufT; tail 
grayish brown, the outer webs of the feathers margined with brownish ashy ; 
under parts white; breast and sides lightly streaked with blackish and 
ochraceous-butf. L., 6'25 ; W., 3*00 ; T., 2-25 ; B., -40. 

Range. — Breeds on Sable Island ; winters southward along the coast regu- 
larly to Virginia and rarely to Georgia. 

Cambridge, casual, one instance, Oct. 

Those who care to visit in winter the bleak, wind-swept sand 
hillocks of our Atlantic coast will find this bird much less rare than 
it was once supposed to be. It never strays far from the waving tufts 
of coarse beach-grass that scantily cover the sand drifts, and single in- 
dividuals may be found skulking among such surroundings. They 
seldom allow a near approach, but fly wildly away to considerable dis- 
tances, and on alighting run off so rapidly that they are difficult to 
find a second time. The flight is rapid and irregular, and the birds 
may easily be mistaken for Savanna Sparrows, with which, during the 
migrations, they are sometimes associated. On rare occasions a sharp 
chirp is heard, but as a rule they are silent. 



292 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

It is an interesting species, discovered in 1868, and at first mistaken 
for Baird's Sparrow of the far west, a species, by the way, that it re- 
sembles very little. For many years nothing was known of its breed- 
ing range. In 1884 some large eggs from Sable Island, Nova Scotia, 
supposed to be of the Savanna Sparrow, were unearthed at the National 
Museum, Washington, and later a summer specimen of the Ipswich 
Sparrow was obtained from this island. Ten years later I had the 
pleasure of visiting Sable Island and solving all the conjectures that 
had become current regarding the Ipswich Sparrow's summer home. 
The bird proved to much resemble the Savanna Sparrow in breeding 
habits, song, nest, and eggs. J. Dwight, Jr. 

542a. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna ( Wils.). Sa- 
vanna Sparrow. Ad. — A pale yellow mark over or before the eye and on 
the bend of the wing ; general tone of the upper parts brownish black, the 
centers of the feathers black, margined first by rufous or ochraceous-buff, then 
by ashy ; wings fuscous, the outer webs of the feathers margined with ochra- 
ceous-bulf ; tail fuscous, the outer web of the feathers margined with whit- 
ish ; under parts white, heavily streaked with blackish and rufous, the breast 
feathers tipped with wedge-shaped marks. L., 5*68 ; W., 2*62 ; T., 2'09 ; B., -40. 

Remarks. — Fall specimens are more or less suffused with ochraceous. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from Missouri and northern 
New Jersey north to Labrador and Hudson Bay ; and winters from southern 
Illinois and Virginia southward to Cuba and Mexico. 

Washington, abundant T. V., Mch. 20 to May 5; Oct. 14 to Nov. 15; a 
few winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 3 to May 13 ; Aug. 28 to Oct. 28. 
Cambridge, abundant T. V., Apl. ; Oct. ; breeds sparingly. 

Nest, of grasses and sometimes moss, lined with finer grasses or hair, on 
the ground. Eggs, four to five, bluish white, thickly marked, sometimes 
heavily washed, with reddish brown or cinnamon, *78 x -56. 

This is essentially a bird of the fields and one of the most abun- 
dant species of the Maritime Provinces of Canada — in fact, character- 
istic of them. The roadsides abound with the birds bobbing up and 
down on the fence posts and chipping vigorously at every passer- 
by. Their boldness is tempered with a certain timidity that becomes 
apparent when they are followed, for, dropping into the grass, they will 
slip away with surprising rapidity. They have a startling way. some- 
times, of springing up with a whirr of wings almost from under your 
very feet as you cross the fields where they have been feeding. At 
the southern limits of their breeding range they gather into irregularly 
distributed, isolated colonies frequenting wet, boggy meadows, and ex- 
hibit a shyness that is not shared by their northern brethren. In the 
fall, young and old gather into bands and, joining with other species, 
form an important part of the large flocks of migrating Sparrows that 
fill the fields and hedgerows. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 293 

The song is insignificant — a weak, musical little trill following a 
grasshopperlike introduction is of such small volume that it can be 
heard but a few rods. It usually resembles tsip-tsip-tslp' se e-e-s J r-r-r. 
More singing is heard toward sunset, when of a quiet evening the 
trills are audible at greater distances. Each male seems to have a 
number of favorite perches, weeds or fence posts, which are visited as 
inclination dictates, but he is of too restless a disposition to remain 
long on any of them. The most familiar note is a sharp tsip of alarm 
or expostulation heard during migration, but so constantly employed 
by both sexes in the breeding season, even on slight provocation, that 
one gets to think of them as veritable scolds. 

They are more likely to be mistaken for the Vesper Sparrow, which 
they resemble even in flight, than for any other except perhaps the 
Ipswich and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. J. D wight, Jr. 

546. Ammodramus savannarum passerinus ( Wils.), Grass- 
hopper Sparrow ; Yellow-winged Sparrow. Ad. — Upper parts mixed 
black, rufous-brown, ashy, and cream-butf ; crown blackish, a cream-bull' 
line through its center ; nape rufous- brown, 
each feather with a small black central 
spot and bordered by ashy; back black, 
the feathers bordered by cream-buff and 
with a small central tip of rufous-brown; 
rump rufous- brown and ashy ; an orange 
mark before the eye ; bend of the wing 
yellow, lesser wing-coverts yellowish olive- FlG ' 83 -'^i r r f ^ raSshopper 
green ; greater coverts tipped with whit- 
ish ; tail-feathers pointed, of about equal length, dark grayish brown, the 
centers of the feathers darker, the end half of the outer feather generally 
dusky whitish ; under parts generally not streaked ; breast and sides buif'y ; 
belly white. Young in first plumage have the breast spotted with blackish. 
L., 5-38 ; W., 2-38 ; T., 1*79 ; B., -43. 

Remarks. — The yellow on the wing, unstreaked under parts, even, pointed 
tail, and grayish mark on the outer tail-feather are the principal characters of 
this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from the Gulf States northward 
to Massachusetts and Minnesota; winters from North Carolina to Cuba. 

Washington, very common S. E., Apl. 15 to Oct. 25. Sing Sing, common 
>. R., Apl. 27 to Oct. 23. Cambridge, rare S. R., May 15 to (?). 

Nest, of grasses, sometimes lined with hairs, on the ground. Egg*, four to 
live, white, distinctly spotted and speckled with rufous, -73 x -54. 

Few common birds may be more easily overlooked than the Yellow- 
winged Sparrow. Its terrestrial habits and weak notes place it among 
the birds that you are not likely to find unless you know how and 
where to look for them. I remember once introducing this bird and 
its song to a visiting ornithological friend. On returning to his home, 




294 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

greatly to his surprise, he found it a common resident of the fields 
about his house, where. Owing to his unfamiliarity with its notes and 
habits, its presence had been before unsuspected. 

In the north you will generally find it in old, dry daisy or sorrel 
fields; in the south it inhabits the broom sedge. It will not take 
wing until almost stepped upon; then, if bushes are near, it takes 
refuge in or under them, but out in the open field it flies rapidly 
some distance and drops to the ground. 

Its usual perch, when singing, is a fence rail; and it does not 
often seek a more elevated position. Its fine, inseetlike notes give 
it the name of Grasshopper Sparrow. They may be written pit-tuck, 
:tt-i-e-e-e-e-e-e-e. Under favorable circumstances they can be heard 
by an attentive listener at a distance of two hundred and fifty feet, 
but the casual observer would pass within ten feet of a singing bird 
and be none the wiser. 

547. Ammodramus henslowii .( //.I Hexslow's Sparrow. Ad 
— Top and sides of the head and the nape dull, pale olive-green, more bulty 
in the fall; side of the crown black; nape finely streaked witli black; back 
rufous-brown, the feathers with narrow, central, wedge-shaped black streaks, 
and narrow ashy margins; bend of the wing pale yellow; wing-eoverts nmeh 
like the back; tail-feathers very narrow and sharply pointed; middle feath- 
ers rufous-brown; the outer ones much the shortest ; under parts white, more 
or less washed with butty and streaked with black on the breast and sides. 
Vou nil in first plumage have no spots on the breast. L., 5*00; W., 2*20; T., 
2-0i) ; B., -42. 

Remarks. — The peculiar olivaceous color of the head and nape, and the 
bright rufous-brown eolor of the back, wing-eoverts. and middle tail-feathers 
are the best distinguishing marks of this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds locally from Missouri and Vir- 
ginia northward to New Hampshire and southern Ontario ; winters from about 
the southern limit ot' its breeding range to the Gulf. 

Washington, common S. E., Apl. \2 to Oct Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct 5 
to Oct 10. Cambridge, very rare S. K. 

JVcotf, of grasses, sometimes lined with hairs, on the ground. Eggs, four to 
five, grayish white, thickly and evenly speckled with pale rufous-brown, 
"75 \ *57. 

During the summer this species seems to prefer wet meadows, but 
in the winter it inhabits the dry "old fields" grown with broom sedge, 
which are so common in the south. It has the secretive habits of 
the Grasshopper and Leeonte's Sparrows, and takes wing only when 
forced to. 

Mr. P. L. Jony writes of its song; "Besides the characteristic notes 
of tt r-inck\ they have quite a song which may be fairly represented by 
the syllables sis-r-r-ritsrit-srif, with the accent on the first and last 






FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 295 

parts. This song is often uttered while the bird takes a short flight 
upward: it then drops down again into the tangled weeds and grasses, 
where it is almost impossible to follow it " (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 

1881, p. 57). 

548. Ammodramus lecontei J >//. >. Leconte's Sparrow. Ad. — 
No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing ; a broad ochraceous-butf 
line over the eye, and a cream-butt line through the center of the blackish 
crown; nape rufous-brown, each feather with a small black central spot and 
an ashy border; back black, the feathers margined first by rufous, then cream- 
butt' and whitish ; tail grayish brown, with a slight rufous tinge, darker along 
the shaft; the feathers narrow and sharply pointed, the outer ones much the 
shortest; breast and sides tinged with butty, and more or less streaked with 
black; belly white. L., 5'00; W., 2-00; 1\, 2*05; B., -35. 

Range. — " Great Plains and more western prairies, breeding from Dakota, 
Minnesota, etc., to Manitoba, migrating southward and eastward, in winter, 
through Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, etc., to South Carolina, and Gulf States from 
Florida to Texas" (Ridgw.). 

Nest, of fine grasses, on the ground. Eggs, three, delicate pink, lightly 
spotted with brownish and black near the larger end, -75 x -50 (Thompson). 

My experience on the coast of Texas with this elusive little Spar- 
row conforms with that of most observers, and the few specimens I 
found were in wet marshes. Mr. L. M. Loomis, however, tells us that 
at Chester, South Carolina, where Leconte's Sparrow is a locally com- 
mon winter visitant, it shows a marked preference for dry " old fields " 
of broom sedge (Auk, ii, 1885, p. 190). 

Few birds are more difficult to flush. It exhibits a rail-like disin- 
clination to take wing, and, flying low and feebly, makes for the nearest 
cover. Ernest E. Thompson records it as an abundant summer resi- 
dent in the willow sloughs and grassy flats of Manitoba, and describes 
its call-notes as a thin, sharp, ventriloquial tweet, and a single, long- 
drawn bizz ; while its song, which is delivered from some low perch a 
little above the grass, is a tiny, husky, double-noted reese reese, "so 
thin a sound and so creaky, that I believe it is usually attributed to a 
grasshopper." 

549. Ammodramus caudacutus (Gmel.). Sharp-tailed Spar- 
row. Ad. — General color of the upper parts a brownish olive-green ; crown 
olive-brown, with a blue-gray line through its center; gray ear-coverts, in- 
closed by ochraceous-buff lines, one of which passes over the eye and one 
down the side of the throat ; feathers of the back margined with grayish and 
sometimes whitish; bend of the wing yellow; tail-feathers narrow and 
sharply pointed, the outer feathers much the shortest; breast and sides 
washed with butty, paler in summer, and distinctly streaked with black ; 
middle of the throat and belly white or whitish. " L., 5-85 ; W., 2-30 ; T., 1'90 ; 
B., -50" (Dwight). 



296 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

EemarJcs. — The chief points of difference between this and the two fol- 
lowing birds are found in the markings of the breast and sides. In the pres- 
ent species these parts are pale ochraceous-buff, distinctly streaked with 
blackish ; in nelsorii they are deep ochraceous-buff, lightly if at all streaked ; 
in subvirgatus they are cream-buff, indistinctly streaked with grayish. 

Range. — Atlantic coast ; breeds from South Carolina to New" Hampshire, 
and winters from North Carolina to Florida. 

Cambridge, common S. E., May to Sept. 

JVest, of grasses and seaweed, lined with fine grasses, on the ground. Eggs, 
three to four, white or grayish white, finely speckled with cinnamon-brown, 
especially at the larger end, "78 x -57. 

This species is confined exclusively to the salt-water marshes of our 
coast, where it may be found in large numbers. It runs about among 
the reeds and grasses with the celerity of a mouse, and is not apt to 
take wing unless closely pressed. Mixed flocks of the several varieties 
of the Sharp-tail, together with the Seaside Sparrow, gather in the fall 
among the sedges, and may be observed hiding in the grass or cling- 
ing to the tall stalks of the cat-tails. In the breeding season it is 
usually associated with the Seaside Sparrow on the same marsh, but 
it prefers the drier parts, and builds its nest in the tussocks on the 
bank of a ditch or in the drift left by the tide, rather than in the 
grassier sites chosen by its neighbor. 

From some bit of driftwood or a convenient stake its infrequent 
song may be heard morning and evening. It is short and gasping, 
and only less husky than the somewhat similar performance of the 
Seaside Sparrow. J. Dwight, Jr. 

549a. A. C. nelsoni Allen. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. — Sim- 
ilar to A. caudacutus, but smaller, the upper parts darker, the feathers of 
the back more olive-brown and more broadly margined with whitish ; the 
throat, breast, and sides deeper ochraceous-buff, very slightly if at all streaked 
with blackish. " L., 5-50 ; W., 2-25 ; T., 1-90 ; B., -43 » (Dwight). 

Range.— Breeds in the marshes of the interior from northern Illinois 
northward to Dakota and Manitoba; occurs as a migrant on the Atlantic coast, 
and winters from South Carolina to Texas. 

Washington, rare T. V., two instances, Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably com- 
mon T. V., Sept, 28 to Oct. 17. » 

This interior representative of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow occurs on 
our coasts only as a migrant and winter visitant. It associates with 
the Sharp-tailed and Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 

549b. A. C. subvirgatus Dwight. Acadian Sharp-tailed Spar- 
row. — Similar to A. caudacutus, but with the throat, breast, and sides washed 
with cream-buff and indistinctly streaked with ashy. " L., 5*55; W., 2*30 ; 
T., 2-00; B., -46" (Dwight). 

Range. — " Marshes of southern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 297 

and probably Nova Scotia, and southward in migration along the Atlantic 
coast" (D wight). 

Sing Sing, rare T. V., Sept. 29 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, very common T. 
V., May ; Sept. and Oct. 

Since this race was separated by me in 1887 few new facts have been 
developed regarding it, except that, as I anticipated, it has been found 
in other parts of the Maritime Provinces, and never far from salt water. 
While frequenting brackish or fresh-water marshes, where the grasses 
grow more luxuriantly than in the haunts of its southern relative, it 
prefers the more open spots or those where damp ditches make high- 
ways of escape for it afoot. It is locally abundant, particularly in the 
great marshes that border the Bay of Fundy, but so retiring that, save 
for its little song, its presence might be easily overlooked. Swaying 
on a tall stalk of meadow rue or squatting on a convenient fence, the 
males may be found at all hours of the day repeating their song a few 
times and then flying to some new perch or burying themselves in the 
grass. Occasionally toward nightfall one will mount into the air and 
with set wings float down, fairly gushing with song, a habit shared by 
the ordinary Sharp-tail and by the Seaside Sparrow as well. 

With these birds they associate in autumn, and may be flushed one 
or two at a time from the strips of grass or reeds that are left on the 
salt marshes along the ditches after the hay has been cut. 

The song is a husky, gasping effort, not very loud, and executed 
with a nod of the head. It is sung in less than a second, and resem- 
bles Jcsh-sh-sh-oolp, the last syllable occupying one fifth of the time 
and rather musical compared with the harsh lisp that precedes it. 
They also have a tchep of alarm, but it is the exception for them to 
show much anxiety about their nests or young. The nest has never 
been taken. J. D wight, Jr. 

550. Ammodramus maritimus ( Wits.). Seaside Sparrow. Ad. 
— A yellow line before the eye and on the bend of the wing ; upper parts 
grayish olive-green; tail grayish brown, 
the outer webs of the feathers mar- 
gined with olive-greenish ; a dusky 
line from the base of the lower mandi- 
ble passes down the sides of the throat ; 
breast more or less suffused with buffy 
(wanting in summer specimens), and 
indistinctly streaked with grayish ; 
throat and middle of the belly white ; 
sides grayish. L M 6*00 ; W., 2-50 : T., Fia - 84.— Seaside Sparrow. (Natural 
2-20 ;B., -GO. "^ 

Range.— Atlantic coast; breeds from Georgia to Massachusetts, and win- 
ters from Virginia to Georgia. 

Sing Sing, A. V. 




298 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

Nest) of coarse grasses and reed stalks, lined with grasses, on the ground. 
Eggs, throe to four, white or bluish white, clouded or finely speckled with 
cinnamon-brown, especially at the larger end, -80 x -(53. 

Like most marsh-loving birds, Seaside Sparrows are so consistent 
in their choice of a home that it would be quite useless to look for 
them anywhere but in a marsh, and that a salt one, generally within 
sound or at least sight of the sea. The Daymen call them 4k Meadow 
Chippies," and often when Snipe and Plover shooting 1 have drawn 
numbers to me by simply squeaking. They tipped all the reeds about 
my blind, chirping excitedly at the peculiar sound which aroused 
their curiosity. They pass much of their time on the ground among 
the reeds and grasses, but mount a stalk to sing their short, unattract- 
ive song of four or five notes. Sometimes they flutter into the air a 
few feet above the reeds and deliver their song while on the wing. 

The absence of distinct streaks on the breast and lack of rufous 
in their olivaceous or grayish plumage will distinguish them from the 
Sharp-tailed, Swamp, Savanna, or Song Sparrows, the only ones which 
are likely to be found in their haunts. 

550a. A. in. peninsulas Allen. Scott's Seaside Sparrow.— Similar 
to the preceding, but much darker ; prevailing color of the upper parts brown- 
ish black, the leathers margined with grayish olive-green; under parts more 
heavily streaked, the breast and sides streaked with black or blackish. \Y., 
>2-o0 ; T., '2-00 ; R. 52. 

Range, — Atlantic coast from northern Florida to South Carolina; Gulf 
coast from Florida to Texas. 

A common southern representative of the Seaside Sparrow. 

551. Ammodramus nigrescens Ridgw. Dusky Seaside Sparrow. 
Ad. — Upper parts black, narrowly margined with grayish and grayish olive- 
green ; under parts sharply streaked with black and white in about equal 
proportions. " 1... 5-95; W., 2-25-2-40; T., 2-10-2-50: B., -50--60" (KidgwA 

Remarks. — This species is very distinct, and can be at once distinguished 
from A. m. peninsula, its nearest known ally, by its much darker upper parts 
and conspicuously streaked under parts. 

Range. — Marshes at the northern end of Indian River, Florida. 

Nest and eggs unknown. 

Mr. 0. J. Maynard, the only collector who has ever met with this 
species, found a single individual, March 17, 1872, at Salt Lake, near 
Titusville, while in April it was " quite common on the marshes of 
Indian River just below Dummett's Grove." and "very abundant on 
the upper end of Merritt's Island." 1 have searched for it most care- 
fully, but without success, during February and March in the marshes 
of the east peninsula of Indian River opposite Micco, and for a species 
which is not rare, the Dusky Seaside Sparrow apparently has a more 




FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 290 

restricted range than any other North American bird. Mr. Maynard 
considers it migratory, and states that it is not found in Florida during 
the winter. In flight as well as in habits, he says, it resembles the 
Sharp-tailed rather than the Seaside Sparrow (A. maritimus). Its song 
of low, sputtering notes is given while the bird hovers in the air, after 
which it drops quickly into the grass. 

552. Chondestes grammacus {Say). Lark Sparrow; Lark 
Finch. Ad.— Sides of the crown and ear-coverts chestnut, a whitish line 
over the eye and through the center of the crown ; a black streak on the sides 
of the throat; upper parts brownish ash; back streaked with blackish; tail 
fuscous or blaek, the outer feathers tipped 
with white; under parts white, a small 
black spot in the middle of the breast. 
L., 625; W., 3'50; T., 2*75 ; B., -45. 

Range. — Interior of North America, 
eastward to Illinois ; breeds from Texas 
to Manitoba; accidental on the Atlantic 
coast (Massachusetts, Long Island, New 
Jersey, District of Columbia, Florida). 

Washington, A. V., Julv, Aug., two 

n „ Tltnr _ Fig. 85.— Lark Sparrow. (Natural 

captures. gize } 

Nest, of grasses, lined with rootlets, 
fine grasses, and long hairs, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Eggs, 
three to five, white or pinkish white, spotted, blotched, or scrawled with pur- 
plish or black, chiefly at the larger end, -78 x -60. 

This is an exceedingly common bird in the west. It frequents 
localities of much the same nature as those selected by the Grass 
Finch, and in its general habits and song reminds one of that species. 

554. Zonotrichia leucophrys {Ford.). White-crowned Spar- 
row. Ad. — No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing; center of 
the crown with a white stripe bordered on either side by black stripes, all of 
about equal width ; no white before the eye: a white line from over the eye 
passes backward along the side of the head; nape gray; back dark grayish 
brown, margined with gray ; rump dark brownish ash ; greater and middle 
wing-coverts tipped with white ; tail fuscous ; under parts grayish white on 
the belly, flanks and under tail-coverts cream-buff. Im. — Generally similar, 
but sides of the crown rufous-brown, center of the crown pale grayish brown; 
nape brownish ash ; back margined with the same color. L., 6*88 ; W., 3-03 ; 
T., 2-88 ; B., 43. 

Range. — k * Breeding from higher mountain ranges of western United 
States. Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, and eastward, north of the Great 
Lakes, to Labrador; in winter, over whole of United States, and south into 
Mexico" (Ridgw.). 

Washington, irregularly common W. V. and T. V., Apl. 15 to May 15; 
Oct. 15 to Nov. 30. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 9 to 20 ; Oct. 3 to 30. Cam- 
bridge, uncommon T. V., May 12 to 22 ; Oct. 1 to 20. 



300 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

Nest, of grasses, on the ground or in bushes. Eggs, four to five, pale green- 
ish blue, speckled and spotted with bay, especially at the larger end, *90 x *62 
(Davie). 

This is one of the aristocrats of the family. Its size and its hand- 
some markings at once distinguish it from its congeners, and are sure 
to attract attention. Though its season of love and music is spent in 
the far north, it often favors us with selections of its melodies as it 
rests in thickets and hedgerows while slowly passing through our 
country on its northward pilgrimage. Its usual song is like the latter 
half of the White-throat's familiar refrain, repeated a number of times 
with a peculiar sad cadence and in a clear, soft whistle that is charac- 
teristic of the group. It resembles its relatives also in singing its 
sweetest songs in the w T oods, sometimes during the darkest hours of 
the night. Ernest E. Thompson. 

558. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). White-throated Sparrow; 
Peabody-bird. Ad. — A yellow line before the eye; bend of the wing yellow; 
center of the crown with a white stripe bounded on either side by much wider 
black stripes; a white stripe from the eye passes backward along the side of 
the head ; back rufous or rufous-brown, streaked with black and slightly 
margined with whitish ; rump grayish brown; greater and middle wing-cov- 
erts tipped with white ; tail grayish brown ; under parts grayish, more so on 
the breast; throat with a square white patch; belly whitish; flanks and 
under tail-coverts tinged with grayish brown. Im. — Yellow before the eye, 
aud on the bend of the wing duller; crown streaks brownish ashy and mixed 
chestnut and black, instead of white and black; throat patch less sharply 
defined. L., 6*74; W., 2-89; T., 2-86; B., -44. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan, and 
occasionally Massachusetts, northward to Labrador; winters from Massachu- 
setts to Florida. 

Washington, very common W. V., Sept. 28 to May 20. Sing Sing, com- 
mon T. V., Apl. 10 to May 21 ; Sept, 20 to Oct. 30 ; a few winter. Cambridge, 
very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 15; Oct, 1 to Nov. 10; a few winter. 

Nest, of coarse grasses, rootlets, moss, strips of bark, etc., lined with finer 
grasses, on the ground or in bushes. Eggs, four to five, bluish white, finely 
and evenly speckled or heavily and irregularly blotched with pale rufous- 
brown, -82 x -60. 

In September, when the hedgerows and woodland undergrowth s 
begin to rustle with Sparrows, Juncos, and Towhees, I watch eagerly 
for the arrival of these welcome fall songsters. 

There is little in their modest appearance to tell one, as they feed 
on the ground near their haunts, of their vocal powers, and one might 
be pardoned for believing that a feeble tseep was their only note. I 
whistle a bar or two of greeting in their own language. They are evi- 
dently puzzled, but make no reply, for it has apparently been agreed 
among themselves that singing shall not begin for at least a week after 




^B 



White-throated Sparrow. 
White-crowned Sparrow. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 301 

their arrival. Then there are a few sweet, tremulous trials before the 
plaintive, sympathetic whistle brings cheer to the browning woods: 



=3 — F— 1= 



-0-0-0 — 0-0 — 0-0-0- 



Few birds are more sociable than the White-throats. At this season 
they are always in little companies, and they frequently roost together 
in large numbers in the depths of dense thickets or clumps of ever- 
greens. After they have retired one may hear the sharp chink of their 
" quarrier " chorus, and when darkness comes, with low, brooding notes 
of cozy companionship they are hushed for the night. 

559. Spizella monticola (GmeL). Tree Sparrow; Winter 
Chippy. Ad. — No black on the forehead; an indistinct black spot on the 
center of the breast ; top of the head rufous-brown, sometimes edged with 
ashy ; a grayish line over the eye and a rufous-brown line behind it ; back 
streaked with rufous-brown, black, and pale ochraceous-bufT; rump pale 
grayish brown ; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white ; outer 
web of the outer tail-feather whitish; breast grayish white; middle of the 
belly white; sides tinged with pale grayish brown; upper mandible black, 
lower, yellow at the base, the tip black. L., 6-36; W., 2*99 ; T., 2-82 ; B., -41. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds in Labrador and the region 
about Hudson Bay: south in winter, through eastern United States; west to 
the edge of the Great Plains. 

Washington, abundant W. V., Nov. 1 to Apl. 5. Sing Sing, common 
W. V., Oct. 10 to Apl. 27. Cambridge, common W. V., abundant T. V., Oct. 
25 to Nov. 25 ; Men. 20 to Apl. 20. 

Nest, of grasses, rootlets, and hair, on or near the ground. " Eggs, four to 
five, pale green or greenish blue, spotted with reddish brown, -75 x *60 " 
(Chamberlain). 

Tree Sparrows wear a small black dot on the center of their other- 
wise unmarked breasts, a badge which will aid in their identification. 
They come in flocks when the fields are beginning to look brown and 
dreary, but seem contented with the surroundings from which other 
birds have fled. 

They feed on the seeds of weeds and grasses, and even when the 
snow is deepest always find an abundance of food. I like to see them 
feasting on the seed stalks above the crust, and to hear their chorus of 
merry, tinkling notes, like sparkling frost crystals turned to music. 

Winter Chippies they are sometimes called, but at this season there 




302 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

is Jittle of the Chippy's nature about them. In February or March 
they begin to sing a song which has been compared to that of a Ca- 
nary, but is " finer, sweeter, and not so loud." 

560. Spizella SOCialis ( Wils.). Chipping Sparrow; Chippy. Ad. 
—Forehead black, a short grayish line in its middle ; top of the head rufous ; 
the nape generally with a few black streaks; a 
grayish line over the eye and a black line behind 
it ; back of the neck grayish, separating the rufous 
crown from the back ; back streaked with black, a 
little rufous, and more pale buffy ochraceous ; rump 
slaty gray ; wing-bars not conspicuous ; under parts 
Wfljji/ grayish white, whiter on the throat and belly ; bill 

Fig. 86.— Chipping Spar- en th'ely black. Im. — Similar, but no rufous crown- 
row. (Natural size.) cap or black on the forehead : top of the head 
streaked like the back ; bill brownish. Young in 
first plumage have the breast streaked with black. L., 5-37 ; W., 2*74; T., 
2-29; B., -36. 

Remarks. — In adults the rufous crown, black forehead, gray rump, and 
black bill are characteristic; in the young the gray rump is a good distin- 
guishing mark. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to New- 
foundland and Great Slave Lake ; winters in the Gulf States and Mexico. 

Washington, common S. K., abundant T. V., Mch. 15 to Nov. 1, occasion- 
ally winters. Sing Sing, common S. K., Apl. 9 to Nov. 7. Cambridge, abun- 
dant S. E., Apl. 15 to Oct. 25. 

Nest, of grasses, fine twigs, or rootlets, thickly lined with long hairs, in 
trees or bushes, five to twenty feet up. Eggs, four to five, blue or greenish 
blue, with cinnamon-brown or blackish markings, chiefly at the larger end, 
•72 x -51. 

The Chippy is among Sparrows what the Phoebe is among Fly- 
catchers — the humblest, most unassuming member of its family. Both 
show trustfulness, which, in spite of their unattractive appearance and 
far from pleasing voices, wins our affection. 

Chippy makes his nest in the vines on our piazza, and feeds on the 
crumbs at our doorstep, quite as though he were a member of the 
family ; and he needs only a little encouragement to give evidence of 
his entire confidence in our good will by feeding from our hands. 

His song is a monotonous chippy -chippy -chippy -chippy, rather high 
and wiry and frequently running into an insectlike trill — by no means 
a musical performance. 

In the fall Chippy changes his dress, dons a streaked cap for the 
one of bright bay, and, with others of his kind, goes to the fields to 
feast on the year's harvest of seeds. He is generally found near trees 
and hedgerows, into which, when alarmed, he flies with his com- 
panions. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 303 

561* Spizella pallida (Swains.). Clay-colored Sparrow. Ad. — 
With a general resemblance to immature S. socialis, but less rufous above, 
whiter below, the line over the eye white, and the rump pale grayish brown 
instead of slaty gray. W., 2-40 ; T., 2-35 ; B., -34. 

Range. — Interior of North America ; breeds from northern Nebraska, cen- 
tral Iowa, and northern Illinois northward; winters from southern Texas 
southward; accidental in North Carolina. 

Nest, of grasses, lined with hairs, on the ground or in bushes. Eggs, three 
to live, similar to those of 8. socialis. 

" This pale Sparrow of the plains is very similar in actions to the 
Chipping Sparrow, but less familiar and confiding in habits" (Goss). 

Brewer's Sparrow (562. Spizella breweri), a western species, has been 
recorded once from Massachusetts. 

563. Spizella pusilla ( Wils.). Field Sparrow. Ad. — Bill reddish 
brown ; top of the head rufous, a gray line over the eye ; nape slightly gray ; 
back like the crown, but finely streaked with black and narrowly edged with 
brownish ashy; rump brownish ashy; middle and greater wing-coverts 
tipped with white; under parts white, tinged with ochraceous - butf on the 
breast and sides. Im. — Similar, but the colors duller, the crown edged with 
grayish and sometimes a faint grayish line through its center. Young in first 
plumage have the breast streaked with black. L., 5*68 ; W., 2*50 ; T., 2*55 ; 
B., -36. 

Remarks. — This bird may be known by its brightly colored back, buffy 
breast, and especially by its reddish bill. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from southern Illinois and South 
Carolina to Quebec and Manitoba; winters from Illinois and Virginia south- 
ward. 

Washington, very common P. E. Sing Sing, common S. K., Apl. 2 to Nov. 
7. Cambridge, common S. K., Apl. 15 to Nov. 1. 

Eest, of rather coarse grasses, weed stalks, rootlets, etc., lined with fine 
grasses and long hairs, on the ground or in low bushes. Eggs, three to five, 
white or bluish white, with numerous rufous markings, chiefiy about the 
larger end, *70 x -52. 

Its bright rufous color, the absence of spots on its breast, and espe- 
cially its flesh-colored bill, are the best field-marks of this misnamed 
Sparrow. He is not a true Field Sparrow, but prefers old pastures 
dotted with clumps of bushes or young cedars. There is something 
winning in his appearance ; he seems such a gentle, innocent, dove- 
like little bird. His song is in keeping with his character, being an 
unusually clear, plaintive whistle, sweeter to the lover of birds' songs 
than the voice of the most gifted songstress. It is subject to much 
variation. Not only do the same individuals sing several different 
songs, but two individuals in the same locality rarely sing alike. 
There is also much variation in the songs of birds from different 
regions. For this reason it is quite impossible to give a description 



304 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

of the song which will apply throughout the bird's range. However, 
an average song consists of the syllables cher-wee, cher-wee, cher-wee, 
cher-wee, chee-o, de-de-de-de-de, the last notes joined in a trill. 

This gives, of course, no idea of the quality of the Field Sparrow's 
song, but to be convinced of its rare beauty one need only hear it as 
the sun goes down and the hush of early evening is quieting the earth. 

The Western Field Sparrow (563a. Spizella pusilla arenacea) has been 
. recorded from the vicinity of New Orleans. 

567* Junco hyemalis (Linn.). Junco; Snowbird. Ad. 8. — Upper 
parts, throat, and breast grayish slate-color; upper parts more or less washed 
with grayish brown ; belly white, sides grayish ; no wing-bars ; tail fuscous, 
the two outer feathers and part of the third white ; bill flesh-color. Ad. 9 . — 
Similar, but the upper parts browner, throat and breast paler. Young in 
first plumage resemble the adults, but have the upper parts, throat, and 
breast streaked with black. L., 6-27 ; W., 3-03 ; T., 2-71 ; B., -41. 

Range. — North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and northern 
New York northward and southward along the summits of the Alleghanies 
to Virginia ; winters southward to the Gulf States. 

Washington, abundant W. V., Oct. 5 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing, common W. 
V., Sept. 19 to May 4. Cambridge, rather common W. V., abundant T. V., 
Sept. 20 to Nov. 25 ; Mch. 20 to Apl. 20. 

Nest, of grasses, moss, and rootlets, lined with line grasses and long hairs, 
on or near the ground. Eggs, four to five, white or bluish white, finely and 
evenly speckled or spotted, sometimes heavily blotched, at the larger end 
with rufous-brown, *76 x *58. 

When the snow begins to fly you will look out some gray morning 
to find a flock of small, plump, slate-colored birds hopping about the 
dooryard, picking up what they can find, or sitting in the bushes with 
an air of contentment that it is pleasant to see. 

Coming, as they do, when most of the home birds have left for the 
south, they bring their own welcome, and soon seem like old friends. 
But if you would really know your gentle winter visitors, you must 
go back into the woods when summer comes and find them in their 
own homes. 

Look for them in a tangle of fallen tree-tops, logs, and upturned 
roots. A pair I once surprised in such a place at first sat and chirped 
at me — with bills full of food — but soon they were flying freely back 
and forth to the upturned root where they had hidden their nest. 

I noticed with surprise that their gray plumage toned in so well 
with the dark earth that they were hard to see. The sharp horizontal 
line across the breast where the gray turns abruptly to white added 
to the disguise, the straight line breaking the round form of the bird. 

The Hsip of the Junco is unmistakable and more often heard than 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 305 

his song, but he has both a trill and a low, sweet song as unpreten- 
tious and cheery as the friendly bird himself. 

Florence A. Merriam. 

567e. J. h. carolinensis Brewst. Carolina Junco. — Similar to the 

preceding species, but slightly larger, the upper parts, throat, and breast uni- 
form grayish slate-color without a brownish wash, bill horn-color. W.,3-26: 
T., 2-85 ; B., -43. 

Range. — Mountains of Virginia, North and South Carolina. 

This is a common and apparently permanent resident species in the 
higher parts of the southern Alleghanies. 

Shufeldt's Junco (567b. Junco hyemalis shufeldti), a western species, has 
been recorded from Illinois, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Massachu- 
setts. It resembles J. hyemalis, but has the back browner and the sides 
brownish vinaceous. 

575. PeucaBa aestivalis (Licht.). Pine-woods Sparrow. Ad.— 
Upper parts light chestnut, more or less streaked with black and margined 
with gray; a grayish line over the eye; bend of the wing yellow; tail- 
feathers narrow, grayish fuscous, the outer ones much the shortest ; breast 
and sides washed with pale brownish ash; breast sometimes with a few 
black spots ; middle of the belly white. L., 5-80 ; W., 2-50 ; T., 2.50 ; B., -45. 

Range. — Florida and southern Georgia. 

Nest, of fine grasses, on the ground, beneath scrub palmetto. Eggs, three 
to four, pure white, -72 x -61. 

This is a common bird in Florida. It winters in the southern part 
of the State and migrates northward in March. It is found only in 
pine woods having an undergrowth of scrub palmetto. Here it passes 
most of its time on the ground, and is difficult to flush. 

When singing, it seeks an elevated perch. In my opinion its song 
is more beautiful than that of any other of our Sparrows. It is very 
simple, but it possesses all the exquisite tenderness and pathos of the 
melody of the Hermit Thrush ; indeed, in purity of tone and in execu- 
tion 1 should consider the Sparrow the superior songster. It sings most 
freely very early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the 
world is hushed and the pine trees breathe a soft accompaniment to 
its divine music. 

575a. P. se. bachmanii (And.). Bachman^ Sparrow. — Similar to 
the preceding species, but the upper parts rufous, black streaks generally 
confined to the back, or absent; line over the eye buffy ; breast and sides 
brownish cream-buff without streaks. 

Range. — Lower Mississippi Valley north to southern Indiana and southern 
Illinois ; west to northern Texas ; east to Georgia, South and North Carolina ; 
south in winter, in the Atlantic States, to southern Florida. 

Nest, of grasses, domed and cylindrical, on the ground. Eggs, three to 
four, pure white, *74 x -60 (Bendire, Auk, v, 1S88, p. 356). 

n 



306 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

In Florida, where this bird is not uncommon during the winter, I 
have found it in pine woods undergrown with turkey oaks, and not in 
localities frequented by P. cestivalis. Mr. Ridgway writes that in 
Illinois this is " emphatically a bird of open oak woods, where large 
white and post oaks prevail, with grass land immediately adjoining, 
or where the intervals between the trees consist of sward rather than 
undergrowth ; but neglected fields, grown up to weeds, and in which 
dead trees are left standing, are also its favorite haunts." 

He speaks of its song as reminding one somewhat of the plaintive 
chant of the Field Sparrow, but as far sweeter and louder; "the modu- 
lation, as nearly as can be expressed in words, resembling the syllables 
theeeeeee-thut, lut, lut, hit, the first being a rich silvery trill, pitched in 
a high musical key, the other syllables also metallic, but abrupt, and 
lower in tone." 

581. Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.). Song Sparrow. Ad. — Crown 
rufous-brown, with a grayish line through its center ; a grayish line over the 
eye; a rufous-brown line from behind the eye to the nape ; feathers of the 
back streaked with black and margined with rufous-brown and grayish ; 
greater wing-coverts with black spots at their tips; no white wing-bars or 
yellow on the wing ; tail rufous grayish brown, the middle feathers darker 
along their shafts; outer feathers shortest; sides of the throat with black or 
blackish streaks; breast with wedge-shaped streaks of black and rufous- 
brown which tend to form one larger blotch on the center ; sides washed 
with brownish and streaked with black. and rufous-brown; middle of the 
belly white. L., 6*30; W., 2-52; T., 2-C2; B., -49. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Illinois and Vir- 
ginia north to Quebec and Manitoba; winters from southern Illinois and 
Massachusetts to the Gulf States. 

Washington, common P. K., abundant T. V., Mch. and Oct. Sing Sing, 
common P. K. Cambridge, very abundant S. E., Mch. 10 to Nov. 1 ; locally 
common W. V. 

Ned, of coarse grasses, rootlets, dead leaves, strips of bark, etc., lined with 
finer grasses and sometimes long hairs, on the ground, sometimes in bushes. 
Eggs, four to five, white or bluish white, with numerous rufous-brown mark- 
ings which sometimes nearly conceal the ground color, -76 x -60. 

The Song Sparrow's vast range in a dozen varying climates, its 
readiness to adapt itself to the different conditions in each of the re- 
gions it inhabits, its numerical abundance and steady increase while 
some of its family are dying out, its freedom from disease and vermin, 
and its perennial good spirits evidenced by its never-failing music — 
all proclaim that it is indeed one of Nature's successes. 

Its irrepressible vivacity and good spirits in spite of all circum- 
stances are aptly illustrated by the fact that its song may be heard in 
every month of the year and in all weathers; also by night as well as 
by day — for nothing is more common in the darkest nights than to 







Song Sparrow. 
Swamp Sparrow. 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 307 

hear its sweet chant in half-conscious answer to the hooting of the 
Owl or even the report of a gun. 

It is never seen far from water, and when it is alarmed it flies 
downward or along — never upward — into some low thicket, pumping 
its tail as it flies. 

Its alarm note is a simple metallic chip, which is very distinctive 
when once learned. But its merry chant — which has won for it the 
name of "Song Sparrow" — is its best-known note. It is a voluble 
and uninterrupted but short refrain, and is perhaps the sweetest of 
the familiar voices of the meadow lands. The song that it occasion- 
ally utters white on the wing is of quite a different character, being 
more prolonged and varied. 

Though so abundant, it can not be styled a sociable species. Even 
during the migrations it is never seen in compact flocks like the Red- 
poll or Snowflake ; at most it will be found forming a part of a long, 
scattered migrating train that usually includes a number of different 
but nearly related species. Ernest E. Thompson. 

583. Melospiza lincolni {And.). Lincoln's Sparrow. Ad.— , 
Upper parts streaked with black, brownish gray, and grayish brown; tail 
feathers narrow and rather pointed, the outer ones shortest; under part* 
white, rather finely streaked with black, a broad cream-buff band across the 
breast, a cream-buff stripe on either side of the throat; sides tinged with 
cream-buff. L., 5-75 ; W., 2-50 ; T., 2'40 ; B., -41. 

JRemarhs. — The cream - buff band on the breast is distinctive of this 
species. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Illinois and north- 
ern New York northward; winters from southern Illinois to Mexico; raie 
east of the Alleghanies. 

Washington, rare T. V., several records, May and Oct. Sing Sing, rare 
T. V., Sept. 29 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, uncommon T. V., May 15 to May 25; 
Sept, 15 to Oct, 5. 

Nest, generally similar to that of M. fasciata, on the ground. " Eggs, four 
to five, pale green or bullish, sometimes almost white, thickly spotted and 
blotched with reddish brown and lilac, *80 x 60" (Chamberlain). 

The most striking characteristic about the Lincoln's Sparrow is its 
shyness, whether migrating in the lavish abundance of the west, stray- 
ing casually through the States of the Atlantic seaboard, or settled 
for the summer in a chosen spot of the northern evergreen woods. 
Scampering like a mouse along some tumble-down stone wall half 
buried in poison ivy, sumach, and all the tangled grow T th that goes 
to make up an old hedgerow, or peering out from a clump of low- 
spreading bushes, this little bird may sometimes be detected ; but as 
he hurries northward late in the migration, when all the woods and 
fields are ringing with bird music, our attention is seldom directed 



308 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

toward the silent straggler, while in the autumn he is lost in the waves 
of Sparrows that flood the country. 

If we follow him northward, we find him irregularly distributed in 
small colonies or single pairs in damp clearings, perhaps along brooks 
or ponds, but avoiding almost entirely the wetter, more open localities, 
where the Swamp Sparrow is at home. Attracted by a sharp chirp 
wmich, at times reduplicated, resembles that of a young Chipping 
Sparrow, we may succeed in catching a glimpse of him as he lurks 
beneath a little spruce perhaps no bigger than an umbrella. 

Sometimes venturing timidly to the outer boughs of a spruce, he 
surprises the hearer with a most unsparrowlike song. It is not loud, 
and suggests the bubbling, guttural notes of the House Wren, com- 
bined with the sweet rippling music of the Purple Finch, and w T hen 
you think the song is done there is an unexpected aftermath. The 
birds sing very little and at long intervals, and are seldom heard dur- 
ing the later hours of the day, ceasing at once if anybody approaches. 

J. Dwight, Jr. 

584. Melospiza georgiana {Lath.). Swamp Sparrow. Ad. in 
summer. — Crown chestnut-rufous ; forehead black ; a grayish line over the 
eye; a blackish line behind the eye; nape slaty gray with a few black 
streaks; feathers of the back broadly streaked with black and margined 
with rufous and cream-buff or ashy buff; wing-coverts rufous, the greater 
ones with black spots at their tips ; rump rufous grayish brown, sometimes 
streaked with black; tail rufous grayish brown, the middle feathers darker 
along their shafts; throat and middle of the belly white, breast grayish, sides 
washed with pale grayish brown. Ad. in winter and Im. — Similar, but the 
top of the head streaked with black, rufous-brown, and grayish ; nape less 
gray ; breast washed with brownish. L., 5*89; W., 2-34; T., 2-32; B., -46. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Illinois and Penn- 
sylvania northward to Labrador ; winters from southern Illinois and Massa- 
chusetts to the Gulf. 

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. to May 15; Sept. 25 to Oct. 30; a 
few winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. K., Apl. 4 to Dec. 2; a few 
winter. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 12 to Nov. 10 ; a few winter. 

JVest, generally similar to that of M. fasciata, on the ground. Eggs, four 
to live, similar in color to those of M. fasciata, but the markings arc generally 
more confluent, *76 x 57. 

While wintering in the south, Swamp Sparrows frequently belie 
their name, and I have often found numbers of them in dry "old 
fields" of broom sedge; bat at the north they are more consistent, 
and one rarely sees them beyond the confines of a wet meadow, or, 
more preferably, a large grassy marsh with reed-bordered streams. 

Swamp Sparrows may be distinguished from their cousins, the Song 
Sparrows, by their unstreaked breasts and totally different notes. Their 




FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 309 

usual call-note is a sharp cheep, not unlike that of the White-throated 
Sparrow, and quite different from the rather nasal chimp of the Song 
Sparrow. Their song is a simple, sweet, but somewhat monotonous 
tweet-tweet-tweet, repeated many times, all on one note, and sometimes 
running into a trill. 

585* Passer ella iliaca (Merc.). Fox Sparrow. Ad. — Upper parts 
rufous-brown, the feathers margined by cinnamon-brown; upper tail-coverts 
and tail bright rufous; wings mar- 
gined with rufous; under parts heavi- 
ly streaked and spotted with rufous- 
brown and blackish ; middle of the 
belly white ; lower mandible yellow- 
ish. L., r*2(5; W., 3-39; T., 2-85; B., 
-50. 

Range— Breeds from the Magda- 
len Islands and Manitoba to Alaska; 
winters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, very abundant T. V., 
Feb. to Apl. 5 ; Oct. 25 to Nov. ; a few Fig. 87.— Fox Sparrow. (Natural size.) 
winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common 

T. V., Mch. 4 to Apl. 20; Oct. 14 to Nov. 28. Cambridge, abundant T. V., 
Meh. 15 to Apl. 20 ; Oct. 20 to Nov. 15. 

Nest, of coarse grasses, lined with finer grasses, hair, moss, and feathers, on 
the ground, and in low trees and bushes. Eggs, four to live, pale bluish, evenly 
speckled or heavily blotched with umber or vinaceous-brown, *80 x *G3 (see 
Bendire, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 108). 

In the early spring the Fox Sparrow is seen mostly about damp 
thickets and roadside shrubbery ; later it takes more to woodsides, 
foraging on leaf-strewn slopes where there is little or no undergrowth, 
often associated with small parties of Juncos. On its return in the 
autumn it again becomes a common denizen of hedgerows and thickets, 
and also invades the weedy grainfields, rarely, however, straying far 
from some thickety cover. Sometimes large numbers congregate 
among withered growths of tall weeds, whence they emerge with a 
loud whirring of wings as their retreat is invaded, and hie away in 
tawny clouds, flock after flock. It is a great scratcher among dead 
leaves, and can make the wood rubbish fly in a way which, in propor- 
tion to its size, a barnyard fowl could scarcely excel. 

The usual note of the Fox Sparrow is a feeble tseep. A note of 
excitement is louder and sharper in tone. Its song is not surpassed 
by that of any of our Sparrows. It is a revelation to hear it at sun- 
down on some vernally softened evening of early springtime; little 
swarms of gnats hover in the balmy air; from the twilight meadows 
comes the welcome, half-doubtful piping of the first hylas — no other 



310 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

sound. Then perhaps from some dusky thicket a. bird's song! An 
emotional outburst rising full-toned and elear, and passing all too 
quickly to a closing cadence, which seems to linger in the silent air. 
It is the song of the Fox Sparrow with that fuller power and richness 
of tone which come into it, or seem to, at the sunset hour. It breaks 
forth as if inspired from pure joy in the awakened season, though with 
some vague undertone, scarcely of sadness, rather of some lower tone 
of joy. Eugene P. Bicknell. 

587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus {Linn.). Towhee ; Chewine ; 

Jokee. Ad. $ . — Upper parts black, sometimes margined with rufous ; throat 
and breast black, belly white, sides rufous ; outer web of primaries mostly 
white; tail black, the three outer feathers tipped with white; outer web of 
the outer feather entirely white ; iris red. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts, wings, throat, 
and breast bright grayish brown; tail fuscous, the three outer feathers tipped 
with white ; sides rufous, middle of the belly white. Young in first plum- 
age have the back and under parts streaked with black. L., 8-35; W., 3*34; 
T., 3-OS ; B., \ro. 

Mange, — Eastern North America; breeds from the lower Mississippi Val- 
ley and Georgia northward to Maine, Ontario, and Manitoba; winters from 
Virginia to Florida. 

Washington, common S. R., very common T. V., Apl. 15 to May 15; Sept. 
to Oct. 15; a few winter. Sing Sing, common S. B., Apl. 21 to Oct. 31. 
Cambridge, common S. B., Apl. 25 to Oct. 15. 

Nest, externally of dead leaves and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses, 
on or near the ground. Eggs, four to five, white, finely and evenly speckled 
with shades of rufous, sometimes blotched at the larger end, -96 x -71. 

There is a vigorousness about the Towhee's notes and actions which 
suggests both a bustling, energetic disposition and a good constitu- 
tion. He entirely dominales the thicket or bushy undergrowth in 
which he makes his home. The dead leaves fly before his attack; his 
white-tipped tail-feathers flash in the gloom of his haunts. He greets 
all passers with a brisk, inquiring chewink, towhee, and if you pause 
to reply, with a fluff-fluff of his short, rounded wings he flies to a near- 
by limb to better inspect you. 

It is only when singing that the Towhee is fully at rest. Then a 
change comes over him ; he is in love, and, mounting a low branch, 
he gives voice to his passion in song. I have long tried to express 
the Towhee's song in words, but never succeeded as well as Ernest 
Thompson when he wrote it chuck-burr, pill-a-will-a-will-a. 

587a;. P. e. alleni Cones. White-eyed Towhee ; Joree. — Similar to 
the preceding, but with less white on the wings and tail ; only two outer tail- 
feathers tipped with white; iris yellowish or white. L., 8-00; W., 3*20 ; T. t 
3-00 ; B., -52. 

liange. — Florida ; northward along the coast to southern South Carolina. 



FINCHKS, SPARROWS, ETC. 311 

This southern race of the Towhee does not associate with the 
northern bird, which is abundant in the south in the winter. 

The latter selects haunts of much the same nature as those in 
which it passes the summer, while the southern bird lives in heavy 
growths of scrub palmetto. The notes of alleni differ from those of 
erythrophtlialmus ; its toivhee is much higher, and its song, as Dr. 
Alien pointed out years ago, is shorter. It is also a shyer bird than 
its northern cousin. 

593. Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). Cardinal. Ad. 6 .—Throat 
and region about the base of the bill black; rest of the plumage bright rosy 
red. the upper parts tipped with grayish; a conspicuous crest; bill red. Ad. 
9. — Throat and region about the base of bill grayish black; crest, wings, 
and Lail dull red ; upper parts olive brownish asli ; under parts buffy ochra- 
ceous, lighter on the belly, and sometimes tinged with red on the breast. L., 
8-25 ; W., 3-75 ; T., 4-00 ; B., -64. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from Florida to Iowa and south- 
ern New York ; resident throughout its range. 

AVashington, common P. E. ; less common than formerly. Sing Sinsr, 
A. V. Cambridge, casual, two instances. 

Nest, of twigs, rootlets, and strips of bark, lined with grasses and rootlets, 
in bushes. Eggs, three to four, white or bluish white, speckled or spotted 
with grayish brown, cinnamon-brown, or umber, ]-00 x 70. 

One's first impression of the Cardinal Grosbeak will usually be that 
he is rather a clumsy fellow. His body appears to be stiff, as if it 
were made of wood, different in every way from the pliant, lithe body 
of the Catbird, for example. He hops about on the ground with tail 
held well up out of harm's way, and comes heavily down upon his 
feet, as if his body were really very solid. In fact, he is not at all a 
graceful bird. 

He is a famous singer, his song being a loud, clear whistle, into 
which usually enters quite frequently the sound of q! q! q! and a 
peculiar long-drawn-out e-e ! sometimes syllabled as "three cheers!" 
He is a favorite cage-bird. The female Cardinal is herself a charming 
singer, more pleasing to many than her mate, her music being softer 
in tone and otherwise different from his. The common call-note of 
both is a sharp, abrupt tsip ! easily recognized after being once 
heard. 

As the head of a family the Cardinal is admirable, not only in his 
attentions to his lovely dove-colored mate, but in singing to her by the 
hour, and in protecting her from intrusion or danger. To the young in 
the nest he is an untiring provider of worms and grubs, and thus most 
useful in a garden. Nothing can be more comical than his behavior 
when he first conducts his young family out into the world while his 
mate is engaged with her second sitting. He is as fussy as any young 



312 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

mother, hopping about in great excitement, and appearing to think 
the whole world thirsting for the life of his pretty little ones. 

The Cardinal mother shows the restless manners and anxious spirit 
of her mate, taking one's intrusion upon her domestic affairs greatly 
to heart, and being so much disturbed that there is more pain than 
pleasure in making acquaintance with her nestlings. 

Olive Thorne Miller. 

595. Hafoia ludovieiana \Lu i? i. i. Kose-breasted Grosbeak. Ad. 
&. — Head, throat, and back black; breast and under wing-coverts bright 
rose-red, this color sometimes extending down the center of the white belly ; 
rump white, tipped with black ; wings black ; primaries white at the base ; 
tail black, the outer feathers tipped with white on the inner web. Ad. 9 . — 
Upper parts grayish brown, margined with cream-buff and pale grayish 
brown ; a bully line through the center of the crown, and a conspicuous 
whitish line over the eye; wings and tail dark grayish brown; wing- coverts 
tipped with white ; under wing-coverts orange; under parts buffy, streaked 
with dark grayish brown. Im. $ . — Kesembles the 9 , but has the under 
wing-coverts rose-red. L., 8*12 ; W., 4*02 ; T., 2-99 ; B., -69. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from eastern Kansas and the 
higher altitudes of Virginia and North Carolina northward to Maine and 
Manitoba ; winters in Central and South America. 

Washington, rather common T. V., May 1 to 20; Aug. 25 to Oct. 1. Sing 
Sing, tolerably common S. E., May 3 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, common S. R., 
May 10 to Sept. 10. 

JSfesb, of tine twigs, weed stalks, and rootlets, in bashes or trees, live to 
twenty feet up. Eggs, four to five, pale blue, with numerous olive-brown or 
rufous-brown markings, -90 x -69. 

Sometimes in passing through young second growths, and more 
rarely densely undergrown woodland, I hear a singular kind of ques- 
tioning call-note, not loud, but distinct — a steely peek, peek. It is a 
signal to me to pause and look for its author; even a glimpse of him 
is worth several minutes' waiting and watching. There is no mistak- 
ing his black, white, and rose costume ; but the identity of his more 
modestly attired mate may long remain an open question. So little 
does she resemble him that she might pass for an overgrown Sparrow 
with a rather conspicuous whitish stripe over her eye. 

The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is generally compared to 
that of the Robin, and musical annotation would doubtless show that 
the comparison is not misleading. But the similarity is largely one of 
form ; in expression there is no more resemblance in their voices than 
there is between the birds themselves. There is an exquisite purity in 
,the joyous carol of the Grosbeak ; his song tells of all the gladness of 
a May morning ; I have heard few happier strains of bird music. 
With those who are deaf to its message of good cheer I can only sym- 



FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 313 

pathize, pitying the man whose heart does not leap with enthusiasm 
at the sight of rival males dashing through the woods like winged 
meteors, leaving in their wake a train of sparkling notes. 

The Black-headed Grosbeak (596. Habia melanocephala), a western 
species, has been recorded from Michigan. 

597. Guiraca caerulea (Linn.). Blue Grosbeak. Ad. 6 .—Deep 
blue; lores and chin black; back blackish; wings and tail black, slightly 
edged with blue ; middle wing-coverts widely, and greater coverts narrowly 
tipped with chestnut-rufous. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts grayish brown ; in some 
specimens more or less blue about the head and rump and lesser wing-cov- 
erts ; rump inclined to ashy ; wings fuscous, the greater and middle coverts 
tipped with ochraceous-buff; tail fuscous, slightly margined with bluish gray ; 
under parts brownish cream-buff, the feathers of the breast sometimes blue at 
the base. 7m. 6 .—Resembles the 9 . L., 7*00 ; W., 3*50 ; T., 2-75 ; B., -65. 

Range. — United States; breeds from about latitude 38° southward into 
Mexico; winters south of our limits. 

Washington, very uncommon S. R., May 1 to Sept. 30. Cambridge, A. V., 
one instance, May. 

Nest, of grasses, in bushes or high weedy growths. Eggs, three to four, 
pale bluish white, *84 x *65. 

" Unless seen under the most favorable circumstances the adult 
male does not appear to be blue, but of an ill-defined, dusky color, and 
may easily be mistaken for a Cow Blackbird (Molothrus ater), unless 
most carefully watched ; besides, they usually sit motionless, in a 
watchful attitude, for a considerable length of time, and thus easily 
escape observation. 

" The Blue Grosbeak frequents much the same localities as those 
selected by the Indigo Bird and Field Sparrow — viz., the thickets of 
shrubs, briers, and tall weeds lining a stream flowing across a meadow 
or bordering a field, or the similar growth which has sprung up in an 
old clearing. The usual note is a strong, harsh ptchick, and the song 
of the male is a very beautiful though rather feeble warble, somewhat 
like that of the Purple Finch, but bearing a slight resemblance also to 
that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak" (Ridgway). 

598. Passerina cyanea (Linn.). Indigo Bunting; Indigo-bird. 

Ad. 6 . — Rich blue, deeper on the head, brighter on the back ; lores blackish ; 
wings and tail black, margined with blue. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts uniform 
grayish brown without streaks ; wings and tail fuscous, sometimes lightly 
margined with bluish ; wing-coverts margined with grayish brown ; under 
parts whitish, washed with grayish brown and indistinctly streaked with 
darker; belly whiter. Im. — Resembles the 9, but is darker. Ad. $ in win- 
ter.— Resembles the 9 , but has more or less blue in the plumage. L., 5*59; 
W., 2-58; T.,2-11; B., -41. 



314 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 

Remarks. — The female of this species is rather a puzzling bird, and may be 
mistaken tor a Sparrow, Its unstreaked back and the slight tinge of blue 
generally present on the outer web of the wing- and tail-feathers should serve 
to distinguish it. 

Range, — Eastern United States ; breeds as far north as Minnesota and 
Nova Scotia; winters in Central America. 

Washington, common S. I\., A pi. 28 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. K., 
May 4 to Oct 17. Cambridge, rather common S. K., May 15 to Sept. k 2c. 

Nest, of grasses, bits of dead leaves, and strips of bark, lined with line 
grasses, rootlets, and long hairs, generally in the crotch of a bush near the 
ground. Eggs, three to four, pale bluish white, "73 x -57. 

In walking among clumps of bushes in clearings or old pastures, 
look sharp if a small brown bird Hies before you, especially if she calls 
cheep and twitches her tail nervously from side to side. Though she 
be a sparrowy-looking bird, look well to her shoulders and tail. If you 
discover a glint of blue and her cries call her mate, you will ever after 
be a more trustworthy observer — for his brilliant coat is unmistakable. 

Having made sure of your birds, watch them to their nest — a com- 
pactly made cup — too cleverly hidden in the dense green thicket to be 
easily discovered. The color of the eggs will again test your accuracy 
of observation : in varying lights they look green, blue, and white. 

The female Indigo is so suspicious that it is hard not to be vexed 
with her, but the primary virtues of an observer are conscientiousness 
and patience : so take your hard cases as a means of grace. 

However distrustful the poor mother bird is. her mate's cheery song 
makes up for it all. After most birds have stopped singing for the 
year, his merry voice still gladdens the long August days. 

I well remember watching one Indigo-bird who, day after day. used 
to fly to the lowest limb of a high tree and sing his way up from 
branch to branch, bursting into jubilant song when he reached tho 
topmost bough. I watched him climb as high into the air as he could, 
when, against a background of blue sky and rolling white clouds, the 
blessed little songster broke out into the blithest round that ever bub- 
bled up from a glad heart. Florence A. Mekkiam. 

The Vabied Bunting ($00, fitsserina versicolor),* species of our Mexican 
border, has been once recorded from Michigan. 

601. Passer ina ciris (Linn.). Tainted Bunting; Nonpareil. 
At. $.— Head and sides of the neck indigo-blue; back golden green ; rump 
dull red ; under parts bright red ; wings and tail tinged with dull red ; greater 
wing-coverts green. AdL 5. — Upper parts bright olive-green: under parts 
white, washed with greenish yellow ; wings and tail fuscous, margined with 
olive-green. L.. 625 ; Y\\, 2^0; T., 2-15; B., <4& 

Range,— Breeds from the Gulf States northward to Kansas, southern Illi- 
nois, and North Carolina; winters in the tropics. 



FI\''IIKS. SPARItOWS, ETC. 



U5 



JUi t. similar to that of P. cyanea, in bushes or low trees. Egg*, throe to 
four, white or bluish white, with numerous chestnut or rufous-crown mark- 
ings, - 7" x '56. 

Mr. Maynard found this species in southern Florida in January, but 

it docs not migrate northward until about May 1. He writes that it 

"is always shy and retiring, seldom appearing in the open, but remain- 
ing in the dense, thorny undergrowth which covers all waste place- in 
Florida, especially if the soil has been cultivated. Whenever the birds 
perceive an intruder they retire into the depths of these fastnesses, and 
it requires considerable beating to drive them out, when they at once 
dart into the nearest cover. The adult males are especially shy, and 
seldom show themselves. Even while singing they remained concealed, 
and, although we were thus furnished with a clew to their whereabouts, 
it was with the utmost difficulty that we caught sight of the authors 
of the harmonious strains which nearly always greeted our ears when 
we were in the vicinity of their homes' 7 (Birds of Eastern North 
America.) 

"Their notes very much resemble those of the Indigo-bird, but 
lack their energy and are more feeble and concise" (B., B., and K.j. 



The Grassquit (60S. Euetheia bicotor) and the Melodious Grassquh 
{603.1. E. canora), West Indian species, have each been recorded once from 
the Florida Key.-. 

604. Spiza americana (GmeL). Dickcissel; Black-throated 
Bunting. Ad. $ . — Head and sides of the neck ashy gray ; forehead tinged 

with yellow ; a yellow line over the 
eye and one on the side of the 
throat ; a black patch on the throat : 
chin white ; breast yellow, spread- 
ing down on to the white belly; 
back streaked with black and pale 
grayish brown ; rump brownish 
ash ; lesser wing-coverts rufous ; 
wings and tail fuscous. Ad. $ .— 
Similar, but the head grayish 
brown, streaked with blackish, and 
with no black patch on the throat 
and less yellow on the breast, which is sometimes lightly streaked with 
black. Ad. in fall.— Much brighter, and with some rufous in the back. L., 
£00; W.,a-20; T.. 235; B., 55. 

Range.— Eastern United States, mostly in the Mississippi Valley: breeds 
from Texas to Minnesota; winters in Central and South America; \ ■ 
east of* the Alleghanies now only rarely and locally. 

Washington, very rare S. K.. a few seen each year; formerly M very abun- 
dant/' Cambridge, casual, found nesting at Medford, June 9, 1877, where 




Fig. 88.— Dickcissel. ^Natural size.) 



316 TANAGERS. 

several birds were observed ; not uncommon in 1833- '34 (see Bull. Nutt. Orn. 
Club, iii, 1878, pp. 45, 190). 

Nest, bulky, of coarse grasses and leaves, lined with liner grasses and 
sometimes long hairs, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Eggs, four 
to live, pale blue, *80 x *60. 

Thirty to forty years ago these birds were more or less common in 
the middle Atlantic States, but they are now of rare occurrence east 
of the Alleghanies. In Texas I have seen them migrating in closely 
massed flocks of several hundred individuals, all silent, except for an 
occasional cack. They alight on the prairie to feed ; birds in the rear 
are constantly arising and passing to the front ; there is ceaseless mo- 
tion. 

In the summer Dickcissel makes his home in grassy fields and 
pastures, and from a weed stalk or bordering fence, with uplifted head, 
he announces his presence as though life itself depended on his vocal 
exertions. It is a poor song from a musical standpoint, but pleasing 



because of the singer's earnestness : - 



t=t=: 



-0-0—0—0— 



The Lark Bunting (605. Calamospiza melanocorys), a western species, 
has been recorded from Massachusetts, Long Island, and South Carolina. 

Family Tanagrid^:. Tanagers. 

The Tanagers form a distinctively American family, and are most 
abundant in the tropics. About three hundred and fifty species are 
known, of which only five reach the United States. They are re- 
markable, as a whole, for the brilliancy of their plumage, and our 
Scarlet Tanager is therefore no exception to the rule. 

They are arboreal and for the most part forest-inhabiting, feeding 
on flowers, fruit, and insects. The tropical species are of a roving dis- 
position, and wander through the forests in search of certain trees 
bearing ripe fruit, near which they may always be found in num- 
bers. 

As a rule they are not musical. A few species have more or loss 
pleasing songs, but the voices of the majority are weak and squeaky. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. With red in the plumage. 

a. Wings and tail black 608. Scarlet Tanager i. 

b. Wings und tail like the body 610. Summer Tanager 6 . 

/>. Without red in the plumage. 

a. Under parts, including under wing-eoverts, dull buffy yellow. 

G10. Summer Tanager 9. 

b. Under parts greenish yellow, under wing-eoverts white. 

COS. Scarlet Tanager 9. 






TANAGERS. 317 

608. Piranga erythromelas Vieill. Scarlet Tanagek. (See 
Fig. 48.) Ad. <S .— Bright scarlet, wings and tail black, under wing-coverts 
white. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts light olive-green ; wings and tail fuscous, lightly 
margined with olive-green; under parts greenish yellow. Jm. <$ and Ad. 6 
in winter. — Similar to the 9 , but wings and tail black. L., 7*25; \V., 3*75; 
T., 2-09 ; B. from N., -46. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from southern Illinois and Vir- 
ginia to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central and northern 
South America. 

Washington, common T. V., rare S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, com- 
mon S. R., May 4 to Oct. 9. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12 to Oct. 1 . 

JVest, of fine twigs and weed stalks, lined with vine tendrils and blossom 
stems, generally near the end of a horizontal limb, seven to twenty feet up. 
Eygs, three to four, pale bluish white or greenish blue, with numerous rufous 
or rufous-brown markings, *88 x -68. 

In watching birds, there are certain sights and sounds that make a 
day memorable much as a beautiful sunset does. I say to myself, 
44 1 have seen a Scarlet Tanager to-day ! " or, 44 1 have listened to a 
Hermit Thrush this evening." 

High among the tree tops of the cool green woods the Tanager 
sings through the summer days. Hidden by the network of leaves 
above us, we often pass him by; but once discovered he seems to 
illuminate the forest. We marvel at his color. He is like a Bird of 
Paradise in our northern landscape. 

We are first guided to him by his call and song. They are pecul- 
iar, and both have a rare woods flavor. The call is a distinctly uttered 
chip-chirr. The song is a loud, cheery, rhythmical carol, suggesting 
the song of the Robin. 

Inside the green woods the Tanager spends the summer, flying 
down to visit his nest in the fresh young undergrowth or to bathe in 
the still forest pools, and hunting and singing in the tree tops high 
overhead. Florence A. Merriam. 

610. Piranga rubra (Linn.). Summer Tanager. Ad. 6. — Rose- 
red, brighter below; wings fuscous, margined with rose-red. Ad. 9 .— Upper 
parts orange olive-green ; under parts yellowish orange. Im. 6 . — .Resembles 
the 9 . L., 7v>0 ; W., 3'75 ; T., 2-90 ; B. from N., -55. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from Florida to southern New 
Jersey, wandering casually to Nova Scotia; winters in Central and South 
America. 

Washington, uncommon S. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. 15. 

Nest, of leaves, strips of bark, etc., generally near the extremity of a limb, 
about twenty feet up. Eggs, three to four, bluish white or greenish blue, with 
numerous cinnamon- or olive-brown markings, *0(i x -68. 

This is a common summer resident of our Southern States, arriving 
in Florida early in April. It frequents open, rather than dense wood?, 



318 



SWALLOWS. 



and is particularly numerous in pineries having an undergrowth of 
oaks. It may be easily identified, not alone by its color but by its 
unique call-note — a clearly enunciated chicky-tucky-tuck. Its song 
bears a general resemblance to that of the Scarlet Tanager, but to 
my ear is much sweeter and less forced. 

The Louisiana Tanager (607. J^ranga ludoviciana), a species of our 
Western States, has been recorded from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New 
York. 

Family Hirundinid^. Swallows. 

About eighty species of Swallows are known. They are distributed 
throughout the world. In their long, powerful wings and small, weak 
feet Swallows present an excellent illustration of the effects of use and 
disuse. The greater part of their day is passed on (he wing, and in 
alighting they select a perch which they can grasp with ease. 




Fig. 89.— Barn Swallow. Cliff Swallow. 



Tree Swallow. 
Bank Swallow. 



Swallows live almost exclusively upon insects, which they capture 
on the wing, their large mouths, as in the case of the Swifts and Goat- 
suckers, being especially adapted to this mode of feeding. 
• They nest both in pairs and colonies, and during their migrations 
associate in countless numbers at regularly frequented roosting places 
or migration stations, which arc sometimes in trees, but more often in 
marshes, and to which they regularly return each night. They mi- 
grate, as far as known, entirely by day, their wonderful power of flight 
enabling them to escape the dangers which beset less rapid fliers. 



SWALLOWS. 319 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Upper parts with metallic reflections. 

a. Under parts steel-blue. 

a 1 . Feathers on the belly fuscous at the base . 611. Purple Martin 6. 
a*. Feathers on the belly white at the base . . 611.1. Cuban Martin <$ . 

b. Throat chestnut, rufous, or brownish. 

b l . Upper tail-coverts the same as the back ; tail with white spots. 

613. Barn S wallow. 
b*. Upper tail-coverts rufous or buify ; no white in the tail. 

012. Cliff Swallow. 

c. Throat gray or white. 

c 1 . Entire under parts white 614. Tree Swallow. 

c 2 . Throat and breast brownish gray .... 611. Purple Martin 9 . 

c 3 . Throat, breast, and sides sooty brownish gray. 

611.1. Cuban Martin 9. 
B. Upper parts without metallic reflections. 

a. Under parts entirely white 614. Tree Swallow. 

b. Throat and breast brownish gray . . 617. Rough-winged Swallow. 

c. Throat and belly white ; a brownish gray band across the breast. 

616. Bank Swallow. 

611. Progne subis (Linn.). Purple Martin. Ad. $ .—Shining 
blue-black ; wings and tail duller. Ad. 9 .—Upper parts glossy bluish black, 
duller than in the 6 ; wings and tail black ; throat, breast, and sides brownish 
gray, more or less tipped with white; belly white. Irn. — Resembles the 9. 
L., 8-00 ; W., 5-80 ; T., 2-90 ; B. from N., -32. 

Range. — North America, north to Newfoundland and the Saskatchewan ; 
breeds throughout its ransre ; winters in Central and South America. 

Washington, rather common S. R., Apl. 12 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common S. R., Apl. 27 to Sept. 11. Cambridge, locally common S. R., Apl. 20 
to Aug. 25. 

Nest, of straws, twigs, etc., in houses or gourds erected for the purpose. 
Eggs, four to five, white, 100 x *73. 

The Purple Martin is very common throughout the south, and 
breeds wherever gourds or boxes are erected for its occupation. In 
the Northern States it is a comparatively rare bird of local distribu- 
tion, and is apparently decreasing in numbers each year. 

In Forest and Stream, vol. xxii, 1884, p. 484, Mr. Otto Widmann, 
of Old Orchard. Missouri, presents an interesting table showing how 
often young Martins are fed. He watched a colony of sixteen pairs 
of birds from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.. during which time the parents visited 
their offspring 3,277 times, or an average of 205 times for each pair. 
The males made 1,454, the females 1,823 visits. 

611.1. Progne cryptoleuca Baird. Cuban Martin. Ad. 6 .— 
" Similar to P. subis, but feathers of ventral region marked beneath surface, 
with abroad spot or bar of white." Ad. 9 and im. $ . — Similar to those of 



3f>0 SWALLOWS. 

P. subis, but " whole under portion and sides of head and neck, chest, sides, 
and flanks uniform sooty grayish brown, in marked contrast with pure white 
of belly, anal region, and under tail-coverts. L., *-60; W., 5*50; T., S'lO" 
{Ridgw,). 

Range. — Southern Florida south to Cuba and probably Central America. 

Nesting similar to that of P. subis. 

A common summer resident in Florida from Pasco County south- 
ward, arriving in March. It resembles P. subis in habits. 

612. Petrochelidon lunifrons {Say). Cliff Swallow; Eave 
Swallow. Ail.— Forehead whitish, crown steel-blue, throat and sides of 
the head chestnut ; a brownish gray ring around the neek ; breast brownish 
gray, tinged with rufous and with a steel-blue patch in its center; belly 
white; back steel-blue, lightly streaked with white; shorter upper tail- 
coverts jpah- rufous; tail fuscous, the feathers of nearly equal length. Im- 
Similar. but upper parts duller ; throat black, sometimes mottled with whit< 
L., 6-01 ; W., 4-34 ; T.. 2-01 ; B. from N., -20. 

Remarks. — The Cliff Swallow may be known from our other Swallows 
by its rufous upper tail-coverts. 

Range. — North America, north to Labrador, and, in the interior, to the 
Arctic Ocean ; breeds throughout its range ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, rare S. E., Apl. to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. K., May 1 to 
Sept. 12. Cambridge, S. R., much less common than formerly, Apl. 28 to 
Sept. 1. 

TcvZ 1 . of mud. generally retort- or pocket -shaped, beneath cliffs or the eaves 
of a barn or other building. Eggs, four to rive, white, with numerous spots 
of cinnamon-, olive-, or rufous-brown. -51 x -55. 

During the nesting season these Swallows are of very local distri- 
bution. They will return year after year to their rows of mud tene- 
ments beneath the eaves of some barn or outbuilding, and. although 
familiar birds to residents of the immediate vicinity, they may be 
entire strangers to those who have never had a colony of these birds 
settled near them. 

Like Barn Swallows, they are masons, and they may be seen on 
muddy shores rolling the little pellets of clay which enter into the 
construction of their nest. 

In the fall they are found in flocks with other Swallows, but at all 
times they may be readily identified by their pale rufous upper tail- 
coverts, which make a conspicuous field-mark. 

The Cuban Cliff Swallow (612.1. Petrochelidon fulva) has been once 
recorded from the Dry Tortugas, Florida | Scott, Auk, vii, 1890, p. 265). 

613. Chelidon erythrogaster (Bodd.). Barn Swallow. Ad.— 
Forehead, throat, and upper breast chestnut-rufous; rest of the under parts 
washed with the same color; upper parts steel-blue; tail deeply forked, all 
but the middle feathers with white spots on their inner webs. 1m. — Upper 



SWALLOWS. 321 

parts mixed with dusky, forehead and throat paler; outer tail-feathers shorter. 
L., 6-95; W., 4-67; T-, 3'30 ; B. from N., '24. 

Range. — North America, north to Greenland and Alaska; breeds through- 
out the greater part of its range ; winters as far south as southern Brazil. 

Washington, common S. R., more abundant T. V., Mch. 28 to Sept. Sing 
Sin^r, common S. R., Apl. 15 to Sept. 22. Cambridge, common S. R., but fast 
decreasing, Apl. 20 to Sept, 10. 

Xest, of mud and grasses, lined with grasses and feathers, generally on the 
rafter of a barn or other building. Eggs, four to six, white, with numerous 
spots of cinnamon-, olive-, or rufous-brown, generally smaller than those on 
the eggs of P. lunifrons, *77 x -54. 

Barn Swallows nest both in pairs and colonies, and during the 
breeding season are more generally distributed than any of our Swal- 
lows. Almost every old-fashioned barn witli its great doors hospita- 
bly opened is cheered by their sweet call-notes and happy twittering 
song as they dart in and out on their errands of love. 

Barn Swallows take first rank among a family of birds famous for 
their power of flight. While their relatives are circling about feeding 
on insects in the air above, they capture their prey nearer the ground, 
skimming low over the fields, turning quickly to right or left, up or 
down, and pursuing their erratic course with marvelous ease and grace. 

614. Tachyeineta bicolor (Vieill.). Tree Swallow; White- 
bellied Swallow. Ad. — Upper parts steel-blue or steel-green; under parts 
pure white ; outer tail-feathers somewhat longer than the middle ones. Im. 
— Upper parts brownish gray; under parts pure white. L., 5'90; W., 4*70; 
T., 2-35; B. from N., -22. 

Ban ge.— North America, north to Labrador and Alaska; breeds locally 
throughout its range; winters from South Carolina southward. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 1 to May 25 ; July 10 to Sept. Sing 
Sing, common T.-V., Apl. 4 to May 2G ; Aug. 4 to Oct. 1(3. Cambridge, S. R., 
formerly common, now common only as a migrant, Apl. 5 to Oct. 12. 

Nest, of coarse grasses and feathers, in a hollow tree or bird-box. Eggs, 
four to seven, white, '74 x -55. 

While our eastern Barn and Eave Swallows have abandoned their 
primitive methods of nesting in caves or beneath cliffs, and the Bank 
Swallows still adhere to the customs of their ancestors, Tree Swallows 
are passing through a transition period in their history. Some accept 
the houses or boxes erected by man as substitutes for the holes in trees 
or stumps which others still use. 

Near New York city they are the first birds to flock after the nest- 
ing season, and they begin to gather in our marshes as early as July 
1. Their numbers rapidly increase, and the maximum of abundance 
is reached about August 15, when they outnumber all other Swallows 
together by at least three to one. They return to their roosts in the 
22 



322 SWALLOWS. 

reeds with great regularity every night, and early in the morning fly 
out over the country to feed. Their flight in the evening is com- 
paratively low, at an average height of thirty to forty feet. They sail 
about in circles more than other Swallows, and many pause to rest 
on telegraph wires, where their pure white breasts easily distinguish 
them from the Swallows which may be associated with them. In the 
morning their flight is much higher and more direct. They migrate 
by day, leaving their roosting ground in flocks, which sometimes con- 
tain myriads, and, after attaining a great height, pursue their journey 
to the south. When migrating along the coast they sometimes collect 
in large numbers in bay berry bushes (Myrica cerifera) and feed on 
their fruit. 

The Bahama Swallow (615. 1. Cdllichelidon cyaneoviridu) has been once 
recorded from the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and may occur more or less regularly 
in the keys otf southeastern Florida (Scott, Auk, vii, 1890, p. 2G5). 

616. Clivicola riparia (Linn.). Bank Swallow. Ad.— Upper 
parts brownish gray; throat white; a brownish gray band on the breast; 
outer vane of first primary without recurved booklets; a small tuft of feathers 
above the hind toe. L., 5*20; W., 8*95; T., 2-00; B. from K, -18. 

Range, — North America, north to Labrador and Alaska; breeds locall; 
throughout its range; winters as far south as Brazil. 

Washington, common S. K., more common T. V., Apl. 15 to Sept. 25. 
Sing Sing, common S. K., Apl. 18 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, common S. R., Apl. 
28 to Sept. 1. 

Nest, of grasses and feathers, in a hole in a sand bank, two to three feet 
from the entrance. Eggs, four to six, white, ■£$ x '48. 

This is a locally distributed species breeding in colonies only where 
sand banks offer it a favorable nesting site. Probably for the reason 
that such banks are more frequently found bordering streams than 
inland, the birds are more numerous in the vicinity of water. 

Bank Swallows may be readily known from other Swallows, except- 
ing the Rough-winged, by their nesting habits, small size, and absence 
of metallic coloring. 

From the Rough-wing they differ in having the under parts white, 
with a conspicuous band across the breast, and in their somewhat 
quicker movements. 

617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis I And.). Rough-winged Swal- 
low. Ad. — Upper parts brownish gray; throat and breast pale brownish 
gray; belly white; outer web of first primary with a series of recurved 
hooklets ; no tuft of feathers above the hind toe. Im. — Similar, but without 
recurved hooklets on the first primary ; throat and breast more or less washed 
and wing-coverts edged with rufous. L., 575; W., 4-35; T., 2*10; B. from 
N., -19. 




WAX WINGS. 090 

Range.— North. America; breeds as far north as British Columbia, Minne- 
sota, and Connecticut ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, common S. K., A pi. 5 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. K., 
A pi. 17 to Aug. 12. 

Nest, of coarse <_ r ra-scs and feathers, under bridges, in stone walls, or a hole 
in a bank. Eggs, four to eight, white, *72 x -51. 

Rough-winged Swallows resemble Bank Swallows both in habits 
and appearance. They do not, however, always nest in holes in banks, 
but are sometimes found nesting about 
bridges, railway trestles and their abut- 
ments. 

With the Bank Swallow this bird dif- 
fers from our other Swallows in the ab- Fig. 90.— Section of outer pri- 
- , 1,. 1 , ., 1 mary of adult RoujL'h-winged 

sence of metallic colors, while from the Swallow. (Enlarged.; 

Bank Swallow it is to be distinguished 

by its plain, pale brownish gray, uniformly colored throat and breast, 

and somewhat slower, less erratic flight. 

Family Ampelid^e. Waxwings. 

This small family contains the two known species of Waxwings, 
with which some ornithologists class several peculiar American tropical 
species whose exact relationships are not thoroughly understood. 

618. AmpeHs garrulus (Linn.). Bohemia* Waxwing. Ad.— 
Forehead, eh in. and line through the eye velvety black; a conspicuous crest; 
front of crown chestnut-rufous; upper parts rich grayish brown: upper tail- 
coverts, wings, and tail grayish ; primary covert.- and secondaries tipped with 
white, the latter with small, red, seed-shaped sealing-wax-like tips : all but 
the outer primaries tipped with yellow or white on the outer web; end of tail 
with a yellow band ; breast like the back, grayer on the belly ; under tail- 
coverts chestnut-rufous. L.. 8'00; \V., 4*60; T., 2*60: B. from X.. -29. 

Range. — Northern parte of the northern hemisphere; in North America 
south in winter, irregularly, to the northern United States; recorded from as 
far south as Kansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. 

Nest, of twigs, roots, moss, etc., in trees. E<jgs, similar in color to those of 
A. cedrorum, -92 x -65. 

The distribution of this bird in the United States is not unlike that 
of the Evening Grosbeak. It is exceedingly rare and irregular in the 
Atlantic States, but occurs with some frequency in the northern Mis- 
sissippi Valley. In notes and habits it is said to resemble its small 
cousin, the Cedar Waxwing. 

619. Ampelis cedrorum VieUl. . Cedab Waxwibo; Cedab-bibd; 
Cherry-bird. (See Fig. 50.) Ad.— Forehead, chin, and a line through the 
eye velvety black ; a conspicuous crest ; upper [-arts rich grayish brown ; upper 



324 WAXWINGS. 

ttll coverts, wings, and tail gray ; secondaries, and sometimes tail, with small, 
pad, seed shaped, sealing wax like tips; tail with a yellow band at its endj 
breast like the back, changing gradually into yellowish on the belly; under 
tail coverts white. L.,7'19; W.,$'70; T.,2'87; B. from N.,*26. 

Range, North America; breeds from Virginia and the highlunds of 
South Carolina north to Labrador; winters from the northern United States 
to Central America, 

Washington, very common r. It., less bo in winter. Sing Sing, common 
P, R. Cambridge, not common P. B., common 8. K M abundant T. V. in spring, 
Fob. i to A pi. 25, 

West* bulky, of strips of bark, leaves, grasses, twigs, rootlets, moss, and 
sometimes mud, lined with finer materials of the same, nature, in fruit or 
shade trees, five to twenty feet up. /'</.'/*, three to ftve, pale bluish gray ot 
putty color, distinctly and obscurely spotted with black or umber, *88 x '62. 

When the spring migration is over and the home birds have gone 
to nest-building, small Hocks of Goldfinches and Waxwings twd 
peculiarly gentle, attractive birds- -may si ill be seen wandering about 
i he count iy. The squads of Cedar-birds fly evenly, on a level with the 
tree tops, in close ranks, often of five, seven, or nine. Frequently^ 
when undei full headway, they suddenly wheel and dive down to an 

apple tree for a meal of canker worms. 

In following the beautiful Waxwings about, one listens in vain for 

u song, but soon comes to relish their two peculiar calls —a hushed 
whistle and the subdued call Thoreau describes as their " beady note, 

a succession of short- notes strung together for they both seem l.o 

harmonize with the quiet reserve of the delicately tinted birds. 

In July, when the wandering (locks are no longer seen, a walk 

through the neighboring orchards may show where both tardy build* 

ers have at last, gone to nesting, and lew bird homes afford pictures of 
such human tenderness and devotion. If there is an evergreen in the 

vicinity, the Cedar-bird mounts guard upon its tip, hut, occasionally 

relieves the monotony of his watch by flying up in the air for light 

luncheons of passing insects. 

The strong individuality of the Waxwings make them interesting 

birds to the field student,. The USe of their crests in expressing emo- 
tion, and the protective attitudes they assume when watched at their 
nests, throw much light upon bird psychology. 

To the bird-lover, however, the Cedar-birds have their own attrac- 
tion; their proverbially gentle, refined ways make them seem superior 
creatures of the air to whom he can but yield his atTection. 

I shall never forget a pair that I once found by a clear mountain 
lake. They were perched upon two evergreen spires that, guarded a 
silent bay, whose dark water was gilded by the lingering light of t ho 

Betting sun. Florence a. Mebbiam. 



SHRIKES. 325 



Family Laniidje. Shrikes. 

The Shrikes, numbering about two hundred species, are largely 
confined to the Old World. Only two species are found in America, 
both members of the subfamily Lamina or true Shrikes. Their char- 
acteristic habits are described under their respective names. 

621. Lanius borealis VieiU. Northern Shrike; Butcher-bird. 
Ad. — Opper parts gray; wings and tail black; primaries white at the base, 
secondaries tipped with white or grayish ; outer, sometimes all, the tail- 
feathers tipped with white, the outer feather mostly white ; forehead whitish ; 
lores grayish black ; ear-coverts black ; under parts white, generally finely 
barred with black ; bill hooked and hawklike. Im.— Similar, but entire 
plumage more or less heavily barred or washed with grayish brown. L., 

W\. 4-55 ; T., 4-00 ; B. from N., -55. 

Rang* . -Breeds in the interior in the far north (Fort Anderson, MacFar- 
lane), and migrates southward in winter as far as Kansas and Virginia. 

Washington, rare and irregular W. V., Nov. to Feb. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common W. V., Oct. 2G to Apl. 17. Cambridge, common W. V., Kov. 1 to 
Apl. 1. 

Nest, of twigs, grasses, etc., in low trees or bushes. Eggs, similar in color 
to those of L. ludovicianas, 1-0.5 x -76. 

This bird may be known at once by his colors — gray, black, and 
white — by the consternation his appearance causes among the Spar- 
rows, and by his peculiar flight, which is steady and straightforward, 
with much flapping, and close to the ground till he nears his in- 
tended perch, which is reached at the last moment by a sudden up- 
ward turn. 

He is so well known as a bird of hawklike, sanguinary character 
that most students are astonished when they find out that toward 
springtime he develops into a vocalist of no mean powers. Often in 
the warm days of March he may be .heard singing on the top of some 
tail tree, a song that would do credit to a Catbird — indeed, it recalls 
strongly that loquacious songster. He is, I think, a better singer than 
his southern cousin, but resembles him in habitually impaling his 
prey on a thorn, a fence barb, or a forked twig. His food consists 
chiefly of mice, noxious insects, and the equally noxious English Spar- 
row, so that the Shrike is a bird worthy of all protection. 

Ernest E. Thompson. 

622. Lanius ludovicianus Linn. Loggerhead Shrike. (See 
Fig 51.) Ad. — Upper parts gray, wings and tail black, primaries white at 
the base, secondaries tipped with white ; outer, sometimes all, the tail- 
feathers tipped with white; the outer feather mostly white; lores black, 
connected by a narrow black line on the forehead at the base of the bill ; 
ear-coverts black ; under parts white, sometimes tinged with gray. L., 9*00 ; 



326 SHRIKES. 

W., 3-82 ; T., 3-87 ; B. from N., -48 ; depth of B. at N., -35 (average of nine 
Florida specimens). 

Remarks. — Specimens from the Mississippi Valley, western Pennsylvania, 
New York, and northern New England average lighter in color and have, as 
a rule, smaller bills than specimens from the south Atlantic States. They 
are thus intermediate between ludovicianus and excubitorides, but the differ- 
ences between them are too slight and inconstant to warrant me in including 
w cub itor ides on the basis of specimens which are quite as near ludovicianus 
as they are to typical examples of the western form. 

Range. — Eastern North America west to the edge of the plains; breeds, 
east of the Alleghanies, as far north as Virginia; west of the Alleghanies 
breeds northward to the Great Lakes and eastward through central New 
York to Vermont and Maine. 

Washington, rare W. V., Aug. 11 to Apl. 6. Sing Sing, A. V. Cam- 
bridge, rare in fall and winter. 

Nest, of strips of bark, small twigs, and vegetable fibers, lined with 
grasses, in thorny hedges or low trees, about seven feet up. Eggs, three to 
five, dull white or creamy white, thickly marked with cinnamon-brown and 
lavender, *98 x '78. 

Like some of the Hawks and Flycatchers, the Loggerhead does 
not search for his prey, but waits for it to come within striking dis- 
tance. It is of importance, therefore, that his perch should command 
an uninterrupted view of his surroundings. For this reason one 
rarely or never sees a Shrike in a tree, but always on its outermost or 
highest branches. He will fly directly toward its center, but just as 
he reaches it swing up and light on its top. He also selects telegraph 
wires, peaks of houses, and especially the apex of a lightning rod or 
weather vane. 

From his point of vantage he maintains a constant outlook for any 
unsuspecting grasshopper, small snake, or lizard which may appear 
below. The distance at which he can detect these gives evidence of 
his power of sight. I have seen Shrikes fly fifty jards with the evi- 
dent object of capturing a grasshopper which they undoubtedly saw 
before starting. 

Like the Butcher-bird, the Loggerhead frequently impales its prey 
on a convenient thorn or spike. Doubtless this habit aids him in dis- 
secting his food, but I do not think that he does it for this reason alone. 
The bird's vigilance, like that of the waiting Hawk, is probably at- 
tended by varying results. One hour may yield excellent returns, the 
next may be fruitless. But under any circumstances he can not resist 
taking advantage of an opportunity to secure food. Sometimes the 
opportunities exceed the demands of his stomach, and then, after cap- 
turing 'his unfortunate victim, he simply impales and leaves it. 

If perseverance deserved success, the Loggerhead would take high 
rank as a songster. But his notes are harsh and unmusical. They 



VIREOS. 327 

consist of a series of guttural gurgles, squeaky whistles, and shrill pipes, 
some of which might be attributed to the creaking weather vanes he 
so often chooses as a perch. 

Family Vireonld^e. Yireos. 

The Virecs, numbering about fifty species, are peculiar to America, 
most of them being confined to Central and South America. Some 
fifteen species, all belonging to the genus Vireo, reach the United 
States. 

Vireos are for the most part arboreal, though several species haunt 
the lower, rather than the higher growth. For small, insect-eating 
birds they are rather slow in their movements. We do not see them 
darting out after insects as do the Flycatchers, nor do they flit through 
the foliage after the manner of many Warblers, but patiently glean 
tneir food from the under surfaces of leaves, crevices in the bark, etc. 
They are more musical than the small Warblers ; all our species have 
pleasing songs, and some of them are especially gifted. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES, 

A. With distinct white or yellowish white wing-bars. 

a. Eye-ring, or line from eye to bill, yellow. 

a 1 . Throat and breast bright yellow ; rump gray. 

028. Yellow-throated Vireo. 
a 2 . Under parts white or whitish; sides and sometimes breast washed 
with greenish yellow ; rump olive-green. 

631. White-eyed Vireo. 631a. Key West Vireo. 

b. Eye-ring and line from eye to bill white. 
b l . Head lead-blue ; wing over 2'50. 

629. Blue-iieaded Vireo. 629a. Mountain Vireo. 
b*. Head grayish, nearly like back; wing under 2\50. 

633. Bell's Vireo (Illinois). 

B. Without white wing-bars. 

a. Under parts yellowish; first primary as long as fifth. 

626. Philadelphia Vireo. 

b. Under parts white; sides washed with yellowish; first primary -75 long. 

627. Warbling Vireo. 

c. Under parts white, with little if any yellowish on sides; head with a 
lead-gray cap. bordered by narrow black lines over the eye. 

624. Red-eyed Vireo. 623. Black-whiskered Vireo. 

623. Vireo calidris barbatulus (Cab.). Black-whiskered 

Vireo. Ad. — Similar to the next species, but somewhat duller above and 
with a fuscous streak on either side of the throat. 

Range. — Cuba, Bahamas, and southern Florida; southward to Central 
America in winter. 

Nest, pensile, of dry grasses, shreds of bark, cotton, lichens, and spiders' 
web, lined with soft, cottonlike fibers, suspended from a forked branch, five 



328 



VIREOS. 




X 



Vw. 91. Red- eyed Vireo. (Natural 
sisee.) 



bo twenty feet up. Eggs, three t<> four, whito, with a pinkish hue, speckled 

and spoiled, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish brown, *78 x •• r >. r >. 

This is a not unoommon summer resident in southern Florida, ar- 
riving I'min its winter home In Central America, early in May. Its 
song resembles that of the Red-eyed Vireo, but, is somewhat more hesl- 
tatiug and emphatic. 

624. Virco olivaceus {Linn.). Red-eyed Vireo, Ad, down 
slatj gray, bordered on either side by blackish ; b oonspiouous white line over 
the eye; rest of the uppoi parts, wings, and tail light olive green; no wing 

bars ; under parts pure while. L., 6*28 ; 
W., 8*20; T., 2*20; B. from N., '40. 

/,', marks, 'The well defined slaty 
gray cap, bordered by narrow black 
lines, are the bost distinguishing marks 

Of this species. 

Range, Eastern North Araerioa; 
westward to British Columbia; breeds 
from the Gulf States to Labrador and 
Manitoba; winters in Central and 

South America. 

Washington, very oommon S. R., 
A pi. 26 io Oot. L5. Sing Sing, oommon S. K., A pi. 29 to Oct. m. Cambridge, 
abundant S. R., May 10 to Sept. 10. 

AfrM, pensile, of strips of bark, bits of dead wood, paper, and plant down, 
(Irmly and smoothlj interwoven, lined with finer strips of bark and vine ten- 
drils, suspended from a forked branoh, five to forty feet up. Eggs, three to 

four, while, with :i few hhiek or umber specks or spots about the larger end, 

This, the most oommon and generally distributed of our Vireos, is 

found alike in the shade trees of our lawns, in orchards, or woodlands. 
'The C0nspi0U0U8 while line over the eye, with its black border, and the 
bird's red eye, are good characters by which to distinguish it, Horn its 

relal ives. 

Wilson Plagg's description of the Red eye to my mind exactly re- 
flects the character of the bird and its song: "The Preacher is more 
generally known by his note, because he is incessant in his song, and 

particularly vocal during the heat of our long summer days, when only 
a few birds are singing. His style of preaohing is not, declamation. 
Though constantly talking, he takes the part of a, deliberat ive orator, 
who explains his subject in a, few words and then makes a pause for 

his hearers to reflect upon it. We might suppose him t<> be repeating 
moderately, with a, pause between eaoh sentence, 4 You see it, — yon 
know it --do you hear mef do you believe it V All these strains are 

delivered with a rising Inflection at the close, and with a, pause, as if 

waiting for an answer. 11 



VIREOS. 829 

l%o Yellow-oeeeh Vireo (626* V.flavoviridu))* Mexican and Central 
American species, has been once recorded from Godbout, Province of Quebec. 

626. Vireo philadelphicus (Cass.). Philadelphia Vibeo. Ad. 
Upper parts light olive-green ; the crown sometimes grayish; a whitish line 
over tin? eye; wings and tail edged with olive-green; do wing bars; drat 
primary nearly as long as second; entire under parts nearly uniform pale, 
greenish yellow. L., 475; \V\, 2*60; T., L-05; B. from N., *26. 

Remarks. The pale, greenish yellow color spread almost uniformly over 
the entire under parts distinguishes this bird from our other Vireos. 

Range. Eastern North America; breeds in Manitoba, Maine, and proba- 
bly north to Labrador; and winter- in the tropics. 

Washington, very rare T. V., Maj 17. 8ing Sing, rare T. V., Sept. 20 to 
Oct. 20. Cambridge, very rare T. V. in Sept. 

Nest, pensile, of fine grass and birch bark, suspended fromaforked branch 
about eight feet from the ground. Eggs^ four, similar in color to those of V. 
olivaceus • Thompson). 

This species resembles tin; Red-eyed Vireo in habits, and Mr. Brew- 
ster writes that its song is so nearly identical with the song of thatspe- 
; that the most critical oar will, in many cases, find great difficulty 
in distinguishing between the two. The notes of philadelphicus are 
generally pitched a little higher in the scale, while many of the utter- 
ances are feebler and the whole strain is a trifle more disconnected. 
But these differences are of a very subtile character, and, like most 
comparative ones, they are riot, to be depended upon unless the two 
species can be beard together. The Philadelphia Vireo has, however, 
one note which seems to be peculiarly its own, a \cvy abrupt, double- 
syllabled utterance with a rising inflection, which comes in with the 
general song at irregular but not infrequent intervals. I have also on 
one or two occasions heard the male when in pursuit of his mate utter 
a soft pseuo, similar to that sometimes used by Vino olivaceus, and 
both sexes when excited or angry hare a harsh, petulant note exactly 
like that of V. gilvus" (Bull Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1881, p. 5), 

627. Vireo gilvus ( VieiU.), Wabblixg Vibeo. A<1. Upper parts 
•shy olive-green; no wing-bars; wings and tail edged with the color of the 

hack ; first primary wry 
short, not more than POO 
in length ; under parts 
white slightly washed 
with yellowish. L., 5'80 ; 
W., 285 ;T., 214; B.from 
\; ■:>/) FlQ. 02.— Wing of WarMin^ Vireo, to show short first 

V x' .v a primary. 

Jiarifje. — North Amer- 
ica: breeds es far north as the Hudson Bay region; winters in the tropics. 
Washington, rather common S. R., A pi. 21 




330 V1R-EOS. 

bly cominon S. K., May 3 to Sept. 18. Cambridge, common S. R., May 10 to 
Sept. 25. 

Nest, pensile, of grasses and plant fibers, firmly and smoothly interwoven, 
lined with line grasses, suspended from a forked branch eight to forty feet 
up. Eggs, three to four, white, with a few specks or spots of black, umber, 
or rufous-brown, chiefly about the larger end, -76 x -55. 

Unlike its cousin, the Preacher, the Warbling Vireo is not gen- 
erally distributed, but shows a decided preference for rows of shade 
trees, particularly rows of elms. It passes the greater part of its time 
in the upper branches, and is more often heard than seen. 

Although resembling the Red-eye in general appearance, its song 
is so different that singing birds need never be mistaken for that spe- 
cies. Instead of the Red-eye's broken, rambling recitative, the song 
of the Warbling Vireo is a firm, rich, continuous warble with a singu- 
lar alto undertone. 

628. Vireo flavifrons VieilL Yellow-tiiroated Vireo. Ad. — 
Upper parts bright olive-green, changing to gray on the rump and upper tail- 
coverts ; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white, forming two 
distinct wing-bars ; outer web of inner secondaries white; eye-ring, throat, 
and breast bright yellow; belly white. L., 5*95; W., 3*05; T., 2*10; B. from 
N., -36. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland 
and Manitoba ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, common S. K., Apl. 20 to Sept. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common S. K., Apl. 30 to Sept. 7. Cambridge, common S. R., May 8 to Sept. 1. 

Nest, pensile, of strips of bark, plant fibers, etc., interwoven, lined with 
fine grasses and covered externally with lichens, suspended from a forked 
branch ten to thirty feet up. Eggs, three to four, white, with a few specks 
or spots of black, umber, or rufous-brown, chiefly about the larger ends, 
•80 x -GO. 

The Yellow-throated Vireo is a dweller in tree tops, and whether 
in woodland, orchard, or lawn, he seldom comes below the upper story 
of his home. But even at a distance his bright yellow breast is a con- 
spicuous mark, at once distinguishing him from other members of his 
family. 

If the Red-eyed Vireo is a soprano, the Yellow-throat is a con- 
tralto. He sings much the same tune, but his notes are deeper and 
richer, while they are uttered more deliberately and with greater ex- 
pression than those of his somewhat too voluble cousin. " See me ; 
I'm here; where are you?" he calls, and at intervals repeats his ques- 
tion in varying forms. Sometimes he astonishes us by an intricate 
liquid trill which suggests the wonderful song of the Ruby Kinglet, 
but which unfortunately is sometimes marred by the scolding notes 
that precede or follow it. 






Yellow-throated Vireo. 
Warbling Vireo. 



VIREOS. 331 

629. Vireo solitarius ( Wits.). Blue-headed Vireo. (Sec Fig. 52.) 
Jid. — Top and sides of the head bluish gray ; eye-ring and lores white ; back 
olive-green; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white, forming 
two distinct wing-bars ; outer web of inner secondaries white ; under parts 
white; sides washed with greenish yellow. L., 5*61; W., 2*96; T., 2-15; B. 
from N., -28. 

Remarks. — This species may be known by its white lores and eye-ring, and 
bluish-gray cheeks and crown. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Connecticut (and south- 
ward along the crest of the Alleghanies) northward to New Brunswick and 
Manitoba ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, common T. V., Api. 10 to May 10 ; Sept, to Oct. 26. Sing 
Sing, tolerably common T. V., Apl. 23 to May 14; Sept. 8 to Oct. 20. Cam- 
bridge, common T. V., rather rare S. R., Apl. 25 to Oct. 5. 

Nest, pensile, of pine needles, plant down, etc., firmly interwoven, sus- 
pended from a forked branch live to ten feet up. Eggs, three to four, white, 
with a few specks or spots of black, umber, or rufous-brown, chietly at the 
larger end, -80 x -53. 

This large and handsome Vireo — a bird of the woods — is the first 
of its family to reach the Northern States in the spring and the last 
to depart in the autumn. Like its congeners, but unlike birds in gen-^ 
era], it sings at its work. In form its music resembles the Red-eye's, 
the Philadelphia's, and the Yellow-throat's ; but to me it is more varied 
and beautiful than any of these, though some listeners may prefer the 
Yellow-throat for the richness and fullness of its " organ tone." The 
Solitary's song is matchless for the tenderness of its cadence, while in 
peculiarly happy moments the bird indulges in a continuous warble 
that is really enchanting. It has, too, in common with the Yellow- 
throat, a musical chatter— suggestive of the Baltimore Oriole's — and a 
pretty trilled whistle. Its most winning trait is its tameness. Wood 
bird as it is, it will sometimes permit the greatest familiarities. Two 
birds I have seen which allowed themselves to be stroked in the freest 
manner while sitting on the eggs, and which ate from my hand as 
readily as any pet canary; but I have seen others that complained 
loudly whenever I approached their tree. Perhaps they had had sad 
experiences. Bradford Torrey. 

A single specimen of the Plumbeous Vireo {629b. V. s. plvmbevs), a west- 
ern species, has been taken at Peterboro, N. Y. (Miller, Auk, xi, 1894, p. 79). 

629c* V, s. alticola Brewst. Mountain Solitary Vireo. — Similar 
to the preceding, but with a much larger bill, and the back generally with 
more or less slaty blue. W., 3-15; T., 2-25; B. from N., -35; depth of B. at 

N., -20. 

Range. — Higher portions of the Alleghanies in North and South Carolina; 
southward in winter to Florida. 



332 VIREOS. 

This race of the Blue-headed Vireo is a common summer resident 
in the southern Alleghanies (see Loomis, Auk, viii, 1891, p. 329). 

631. Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.). White-eyed Vireo. Ad. — 
Upper parts, including upper tail-coverts, bright olive-green, more or less 
washed with grayish ; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with yellowish 
white, forming two distinct wing-bars ; outer web of inner secondaries whitish ; 
lores and eye-ring yellow ; throat white or whitish ; belly white ; breast and 
sides washed with greenish yellow ; iris white, hazel in the young. L., 5*27 ; 
W., 237 ; T., 1-95 ; B. from N., -29. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from Florida to New Hampshire 
and Minnesota ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 20 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
Apl. 29 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, rather rare S. R., May 8 to Sept. 20 ; formerly 
common. 

Nest, generally similar to that of V. olivaceus, suspended from a forked 
branch in thickets. Eggs, three to four, white, with a few specks of black, 
umber, or rufous- brown at the larger end, -75 x -55. 

If birds are ever impertinent, I believe this term might with truth 
be applied to that most original, independent dweller in thickety un- 
dergrowths, the White-eyed Vireo. Both his voice and manner say 
that he doesn't in the least care what you think of him ; and, if 
attracted by his peculiar notes or actions, you pause near his haunts, 
he jerks out an abrupt " Who are you, eh ? " in a way which plainly 
indicates that your presence can be dispensed with. If this hint is 
insufficient, he follows it by a harsh scolding, and one can fancy that 
in his singular white eye there is an unmistakable gleam of disap- 
proval. 

I have always regretted that the manners of this Vireo have been a 
bar to our better acquaintance, for he is a bird of marked character 
and with unusual vocal talents. He is a capital mimic, and in the 
retirement of his home sometimes amuses himself by combining the 
songs of other birds in an intricate potpourri. 

631a. V. n. maynardi Brewst. Key West Vireo. — Scarcely dis- 
tinguishable in color from the preceding, but averaging somewhat paler and 
less yellow below, and with a larger bill. L., 5-12; W., 2-40; T., 2'12; B. 
from N., -35. 

Range. — Southern Florida. 

This closely related race of the White-eyed Vireo is a common per- 
manent resident in southern Florida. 

633. Vireo belli Aud. Bell's Vireo. Ad. — Crown ashy gray, 
changing to olive-green on the rump ; greater and middle wing-coverts nar- 
rowly tipped with white ; lores and eye-ring whitish ; under parts white, 
breast and sides washed with greenish yellow. L., 4'75; W., 2*20; T., 1*80; 
B. from N., -28. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 333 

Range.— Interior of North America, from Texas north to Minnesota, east 
to Illinois. 

Nest, pensile, of strips of bark and plant fibers firmly and smoothly inter- 
woven, lined with finer grasses, etc., in bushes or low trees. Eggs, four to 
six, white, with a few specks of black, umber, or rufous-brown at the larger 
end, -Go x "50. 

This is a common bird in its range, and is locally not uncommon 
as far east as Illinois. "In their food, habits, and actions they are 
very similar to the White-eyed. Their call- and alarm-notes are not 
quite so harsh, and their song is delivered in a less emphatic manner ; 
an indescribable sputtering, that does not rank it high in the musical 
scale " (Goss). 

The Bahama Honey Ckeeper {685. Coereba bahamensis) was found by 
Dr. Wurdemann in January, 1858, on Indian Key, southeastern Florida, but 
has not, to my knowledge, been taken by subsequent observers. The upper 
parts are sooty black, the rump and middle of the under parts yellow, and a line 
over the eye, the throat, and the lower belly are white or whitish ; length 
about 4*50. 

Family Mniotiltid^e. Wood Warblers. 

The Wood Warblers are found only in America, and are most numer- 
ously represented in eastern North America. About one hundred spe- 
cies are known, of which seventy visit the United States, w T hile the 
remaining thirty are tropical. 

With three or four exceptions they are inhabitants of woodland, 
but during their migrations may be found in the trees of lawns or 
orchards. They feed almost exclusively upon insects, and are thus 
highly migratory, thousands of miles frequently separating their sum- 
mer and winter homes. 

The majority are among the last of the spring arrivals ; their com- 
ing caps the climax of the migration, and the first severe frost leaves 
but few with us. They migrate by night, and are chief among the 
victims of lighthouses and electric-light towers. When migrating, 
they are generally found in straggling companies composed of a num- 
ber of species, which during the day travel slowly through the woods 
from tree to tree. 

They capture their insect food in a variety of ways. Some species 
flit actively from branch to branch, taking their prey from the more 
exposed parts of the twigs and leaves ; others are gleaners, and care- 
fully explore the under surfaces of leaves or crevices in the bark ; 
while several, like Flycatchers, capture a large part of their food on 
the wing. As a rule, they are arboreal, but many are thicket-haunt- 
ing, and some are terrestrial. 



334 WOOD WARBLERS. 

Several species have remarkable vocal ability, but, generally speak- 
ing, they have rather weak voices, and take low rank as songsters. 

Warblers are at once the delight and the despair of field students. 
To the uninitiated their existence is unknown, and when search reveals 
the before unsuspected fact that our woods are thronged with birds as 
exquisitely colored as the daintiest tropical forms, we feel as though a 
new world were opened to us. 

Absent to-day, present to-morrow, the Warblers come and go under 
cover of the night, and we may give a lifetime to their study, and then 
know we have not mastered the laws which govern their movements. 

Entering an apparently deserted bit of woods, we hear faint voices, 
lisping tseeps, and soon discover that the tree tops are animated with 
flitting forms. What limitless possibilities there are in a flock of 
Warblers ! Who can say what rare species may be among them f — per- 
haps the bird we have long vainly looked for ; perhaps a stranger from 
another clime ! 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

First Group. — Throat yellow, yellowish, or orange. 
I. Under parts without streaks or spots. 

II. With black or brown streaks on the breast or sides, or (in one species) a 
blackish brown band across the throat, or (in one species) a black patch 
on the breast. 
Second Group. — Throat black, gray, ashy, white, whitish, brown, or buffy. 
I. Throat and upper breast one color, black, gray, ashy, or brown, very dif- 
ferent from the white or yellow belly. 
II. Throat white or whitish, with or without streaks or spots; rest of under 

parts streaked or spotted with black, bluish, chestnut, or yellow. 
III. Under parts white, whitish, or buffy, ivithout streaks, spots, or patches. 

First Group. 

I. Under parts "without streaks or spots. 

1. Tail with conspicuous white spots or patches. 
A. Wings with white wing-bars. 

a. Under parts entirely pure yellow. 

a 1 . Forehead yellow; a black line through the eye; rump same as 

back 641. Blue-winged Warbler. 

a 2 . Crown ashy ; rump yellow . 657. Magnolia Warbler (Im.). 

b. Throat bright yellow ; belly white or whitish. 

b 1 . Back olive-greenish 671. Pine Warbler. 

b*. Back bluish, with a yellowish patch in the middle. 

648. Parula Warbler (Im.). 

c. Under parts pale yellowish white or buffy ; throat not brighter than 
belly. 

c 1 . Back olive-green, slightly streaked witli black. 

c a . Under parts pale cream-buff, stronger on the flanks. 

660. Bay-breasted Warbler (Im.). 



WOOD WARBLERS. 335 

c 3 . Under parts pale yellowish white. 

661. BLACK-roLL Warbler (Im.). 
d 1 . Back olive-green, without streaks. . 671. Pine Warbler 9 . 
e\ Back with a bluish tinge and without streaks. 

658. Cerulean Warbler (Im.). 
B. Without white wing-bars. 

a. Under parts bright orange or orange-yellow; Avings, tail-coverts, 
and tail bluish gray 637. Prothonotary Warbler. 

b. Under parts pure yellow ; wings, rump, and tail greenish ; head 
sometimes blackish ; inner web of outer tail-feathers white. 

684. Hooded Warbler ( 9 and im.). 

c. Under parts pale yellowish; head ashy; rump olive-green; small 
white tail-spots, not reaching to ends of feathers. 

640. Bachman's Warbler ( 9 and im.). 

d. Under parts pale yellowish; entire upper parts olive-green; a 
white spot at the base of the primaries. 

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler 9 . 
. Tail without white spots or patches ; wings without white wing-bars. 

A. Cap, or forehead, or cheeks black or blackish. 

a. Cap black ; forehead and cheeks yellow. 

685. Wilson's Warbler. 

b. Band on the forehead and cheeks black or blackish ; no yellow 
line over the eye 681. Maryland Yellow-throat 6 . 

6816. Florida Yellow t -throat 6 . 

c. Forehead or crown and cheeks black or blackish ; a clear yellow 
line over the eye 677. Kentucky Warbler. 

B. No black on forehead; crown ashy, of a very different color from 
the olive-green back, or with the bases of the crown feathers rufous- 
brown or chocolate. 

a. Crown plain ashy; under tail-coverts white. 

640. Bachman's Warbler. 

b. Crown ashy ; bases of feathers chestnut ; eye-ring distinctly white ; 
most of under parts and under tail-coverts bright yellow. 

645. Nashville Warbler. 

c. Crown of nearly the same color as the back ; the feathers with 
rufous-brown bases ; under parts dull greenish yellow. 

646. Orange-crow t ned Warbler. 

C. Crown of the same color as the back ; forehead the same, or yellow- 
ish, or brownish. 

a. Under parts bright yellow. 

a 1 . Upper parts bright olive-green ; forehead yellowish ; short 
bristles at base of bill ; tail greenish brown. 

685. Wilson's Warbler (Im.). 
a 2 . Upper parts bright greenish yellow ; inner web of tail-feathers 

yellow 652. Yellow Warbler 9. 

a 3 . Upper parts ashy greenish ; eye-ring white. 

645. Nashville Warbler (Im.). 

b. Throat and breast yellow; belly white or whitish. 



336 WOOD WARBLERS. 

b 1 . A black spot before the eye and a white line over it ; wing 3*00. 

683. Yellow-breasted Chat. 
b 2 . Legs flesh-color; outer tail-feathers shortest; forehead some- 
times brownish .... 681. Maryland Yellow-throat 9. 
6816. Florida Yellow-throat 9 . 
b 2 . Legs blackish ; tail-feathers even ; wing under 3*00. 

645. Nashville Warbler (Im.). 
c. Under parts uniform yellow or yellowish. 
c 1 . Under parts dull greenish yellow, obscurely streaked with 
dusky ; back ashy greenish. 

646. Orange-crowned Warbler (Im.). 
d 2 . Under parts yellowish or buffy yellowish ; outer tail-feathers 
decidedly shortest ; legs flesh-color. 

681. Maryland Yellow-throat 9 . 
6816. Florida Yellow-throat 9 ; 
c 3 . Breast somewhat yellower than rest of under parts; flanks 
brownish; legs blackish; tail-feathers of same length. 

645. Nashville Warbler (lm.). 
c 4 . Inner margins of tail-feathers yellow. 

652. Yellow Warbler 9 . 
c 5 . Back bright olive-green ; under tail-coverts white. 

647. Tennessee Warbler (Im.). 
c 6 . A small white spot at the base of the primaries. 

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler 9 . 

II. With black or brown streaks on the breast or sides, 

or (in one species) a blackish brown band across the 

throat, or (in one species) a black patch on the breast. 

). Under parts streaked with rufous-brown. 

A. Crown chestnut. 

a. Entire under parts rich yellow . 672a. Yellow Palm Warbler. 

b. Throat and breast bright yellow; belly yellowish white. 

672. Palm Warbler. 

B. No chestnut crown- cap. 

a. Under parts yellowish white ; eye-ring yellowish. 

672. Palm Warbler (Im.). 

b. Under parts yellow, washed with brownish ; eye-ring yellowish. 

672a. Yellow Palm Warbler (Im.). 

c. Under parts bright yellow ; forehead yellow ; inner webs of tail- 

feathers yellow 652. Yellow Warbler (Ad.). 

2. Under parts streaked or spotted with black. 

A. Back unspotted, the same as the head, olive-green or olive-brown. 

a. Under parts pale sulphur-yellow, streaked with black; no wing- 
bars ; wing 3-00 or over. 

675. Water Thrush. 675a. Grinnell's Water Thrush. 

b. Under parts bright yellow; no black streaks on the flanks; wing 
nearly 3*00 671. Pine Warbler. 

c. Under parts bright yellow ; sides streaked with black ; wing about 
2-00 673. Prairie Warbler ( 9 and im.). 



WOOD WARBLERS. 337 

d. Throat pale yellow, indistinctly spotted or streaked ; belly 
whitish; cheeks bright yellow; outer web of outer tail-feather 
white afr the base. 

667. Black-throated Green Warbler (1m.). 

e. Throat and breast yellow, distinctly spotted ; median wing-coverts 
white 650. Cape May Warbler ( 9 and iin.). 

B. Back black or streaked with black, or center of crown orange. 

a. Under parts pale yellow; black spots confined to sides; no white 
wing-bars 670. Kirtland^ Warbler. 

b. Under parts pale yellow, indistinctly streaked with blackish ; 
two white or whitish wing-bars. 

661. Black-poll Warbler (Im.). 

c. Throat orange or yellow, without streaks; ear-coverts gray or 
black ; center of crown yellowish or orange. 

662. Blackburnian Warbler. 

d. Under parts streaked with black; ear-coverts rufous ; cap black. 

^ 650. Cape May Warbler. 

e. Head bluish gray or ashy ; rump bright yellow; eye-ring white ; 
white tail-spots not reaching to ends of feathers. 

657. Magnolia Warbler. 

C. Back ashy gray. 

a. Throat yellow ; belly white ; wing-bars and tail-spots white. 
a 1 . A yellow line from the bill to the eye. 

663. Yellow-throated Warbler. 
a 2 . A white line from the bill to and over the eye. 

663a. Sycamore Warbler. 

b. Entire under parts yellow ; breast with a necklace of black spots ; 
no wing-bars or tail-spots 686. Canadian Warbler. 

D. Center of back brick-red ; under parts yellow ; sides streaked with 
black 673. Prairie Warbler. 

3. Throat yellow ; breast with a band of copper or blackish chestnut ; 
upper parts blue ; center of back greenish yellow. 

648. Parula Warbler. 

4. Throat and forehead yellow; breast and crown-cap black. 

640. Baciiman's Warbler. 

Second Group. 

I. Throat and upper breast one color, black, gray, ashy, 
or brown* very different from the white or yellow 
belly. 

A. Belly white or whitish. 

a. Back gray or greenish gray, crown yellow, cheeks black or gray, 
wing-bars yellow 642. Golden- winged Warbler. 

b. Back and crown bright olive-green, cheeks yellow, wing-bars 
white 667. Black-throated Green Warbler. 

c. Back ana crown dark blue, a white spot at the base of the primaries. 

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler <$ . 
23 



338 WOOD WARBLERS. 

d. Back streaked with gray and black ; cap, throat, and sides chestnut. 

660. Bay-breasted Warbler $ . 

e. Back streaked with black and white, a white line through the cen- 
ter of the crown 636. Black and White Warbler 6 . 

/. Back black; sides, center of wings, and base of tail salmon-red. 

687. Redstart $ . 
B. Belly yellow. 

a. Throat black. 

a 1 . Cheeks bright yellow, black crown-cap connected with black 
throat by a black line, end half of inner web of outer tail-feathers 
white 684. Hooded Warbler. 

a a . Cheeks dull greenish yellow, black crown-cap not connected 
with black throat, white tail-spots not reaching to the ends of 
feathers 640. Bachman's Warblck. 

a 3 . A black streak through the eye, wing-bars white. 

641 + 642. Lawrence's Warbler. 

b. Throat bluish gray, ashy, or brownish. 

ft 1 . A white eye-ring 678. Connecticut Warbler. 

ft 2 . No white eye-ring 679. Mourning Warbler. 

II. Throat white or whitish, with or without streaks or 
spots; rest of the under parts spotted or streaked 
with black, bluish, chestnut, or yellow. 

A. Back streaked with black. 

a. With chestnut streaks on the sides, under tail-coverts white. 

a 1 . 'Wing over 2-50, head with chestnut or black streaks or spots, 

wing-bars white 660. Bay-breasted Warbler 9 . 

a a . Wing under 2*50, head and wing-bars yellow or yellowish. 

659. Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

b. With black or bluish streaks on the sides or entire under parts. 

b 1 . Cap solid black 661. Black-poll Warbler & . 

£ 2 . Crown, rump, and sides of the breast with a yellow patch or spot. 

655. Myrtle Warbler. 
b 2 . Cap black, witli a white streak through the center. 

636. Black and White Warbler 9. 
b*. Crown olive-green, with small black streaks. 

661. Black-poll Warbler 9. 
b 5 . Crown blue, a bluish-black band across the breast. 

658. Cerulean Warbler 6. 
b 9 . Crown brownish, under tail-coverts yellow. 

672. Palm Warbler (Im.). 

B. Back without streaks or spots. 
a. With white or yellow spots in the tail. 

a 1 . Wing-bars white, cheeks yellow, back greenish. 

667. Black-throated Green Warbler (Im.). 
« a . Wing-bars, cheeks, and back grayish, under tail-coverts white. 

650. Cape May Warbler ( 9 and im.). 
a 8 . Back brownish, under tail-coverts yellow. 

672. Palm Warbler (Tm.). 






WOOD WARBLERS. 339 

a 4 . Sides of breast, band in wings, and base of tail yellow. 

087. Kedstart( 9 and im.). 
b. Without white or yellow spots in the tail. 
b 1 . A pale rufous streak bordered by black through the center of 

the crown 674. Oven-bird. 

b 2 . A white line over the eye, throat generally without spots, wing 

over 3*00, bill over -50 . . . . 676. Louisiana Water-Thrush. 

b 3 . A buffy line over the eye, throat with small black spots, wing 

under 3*00, bill under -50 675. Water-Thrush. 

675a. Grinn ell's Water-Thrush. 
III. Under parts white, whitish, or buffy, without streaks, 
spots, or patches. 

A. Tail with white or yellow spots or patches. 

a. Wing- bars white or grayish. 

a 1 . Under parts pure white, back greenish yellow, cheeks gray, 
wing under 2*50 .... 659. Chestnut-sided Warbler (Im.). 
a 2 . Under parts tinged with buffy, back and cheeks olive-green, 
with generally distinct black streaks, wing over 2-50. 

660. Bay-breasted Warbler (Im.). 
a 3 . Under parts soiled whitish, back brownish or grayish green, eye- 
ring white, wing-bars grayish, wing over 2*50. 

671. Pine Warbler ( 9 and im.). 
a 4 . Under parts white, back streaked with pure black and white. 
636. Black and White Warbler 9 . 

b. Wing-bars yellowish, greenish, or absent. 

b 1 . Back and head bright greenish yellow, cheeks gray, under 

parts pure white . . . . 659. Chestnut-sided Warbler (Im.). 
b 2 . Back, head, and cheeks yellowish green, under parts yellowish, 

inner margins of tail-feathers yellow. 

652. Yellow Warbler (Im.). 
b 3 . Back gray or grayish, a black line through the eye. 

641 + 642. Brewster's Warbler. 
b*. Back and head brownish, wings and base of tail with a yellow 

band 687. Kedstart ( 9 and im.). 

b s . Back bright green, head and cheeks grayish, a small black spot 

in front of the eye 647. Tennessee Warbler 6 . 

B. Tail without white or yellow spots or patches. 
o. Under tail-coverts yellow. 

a 1 . Back olive-green, outer tail-feathers shortest, legs flesh-color. 

681. Maryland Yellow-throat ( 9 and im.). 

681J. Florida Yellow-throat. 

a 2 . Back grayish olive-green, tail-feathers of equal length, legs 

blackish 646. Orange-crowned Warbler. 

b. Under tail-coverts white or whitish. 
b 1 . Head plain brown, a whitish line from the bill over the eye. 

638. Swainson's Warbler. 
b*. Center of crown and line from the bill over the eye buffy, bor- 
dered by black stripes .... 639. Worm-eating Warbler. 



340 WOOD WARBLERS. 

ft 3 . Crown greenish, a small white spot at the base of the primaries 
almost concealed by wing-coverts. 

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler ( 9 and im.). 
ft 4 . Crown grayish, bend of the wing yellow. 

640. Bachman's Warbler 9 . 



A Field Key to the 

Adult Male Warblers of Eastern North America in 

Spring and Summer Plumage. 

I. Throat yellow, white, or whitish ; under parts without streaks or patches. 
II. Throat black, brown, or slate-color. 

III. Throat yellow or orange, under parts with streaks. (In one species a 

blackish-brown band across the breast.) 

IV. Throat white or whitish, with streaks or spots on the under parts. (In 

two species a yellow patch on the sides of the breast.) 

I. Throat yellow, white, or whitish: under parts without 
streaks or patches. 

1. Throat yellow. 

A. Length over 6*00, the largest of the Warblers ; haunts dense thick- 
ets in second growth ; song, a peculiar mixture of whistles, chucks, 
and crow-calls, delivered from the undergrowth, from the trees 
above, or on the wing, when the bird resembles a bunch of falling 
leaves 683. Yellow-breasted Chat. 

B. Length under 6*00. 

a. Head and neck bright golden yellow like the breast; tail-feath- 
ers white, except at the tip; haunts near the water, especially 
low bushes and willows hanging over streams and ponds ; call, a 
sharp peek ; range, from Virginia southward. 

637. Prothonotary Warbler. 
ft. Forehead and cheeks black, a yellow line over the eye ; song, a 
low whistled call of five to seven notes ; haunts near the ground ; 
range from lower Hudson Valley southward. 

677. Kentucky Warbler. 

c. Forehead and cheeks black, bordered by grayish ; no line over 
the eye; haunts undergrowth ; call, a frequently repeated chack ; 
song, a loud, rapid / beseech you, I beseech you, I beseech you, or 
witch-e-wee-o, witch-e-wee-o, witch-e-wee-o ; movements restless; 
abundant 681. Maryland Yellow-throat. 

681ft. Florida Yellow-throat (Fla.). 

d. Head and back olive-green; wings with two white bars; outer 
tail-feathers white ; haunts pine woods ; song, a musical trill. 

671. Pine Warbler. 
t. Crown bluish ash, eye-ring white; call-note sometimes like the 
sound produced by striking two pebbles together. 

645. Nashville Warbler. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 341 

/. Forehead yellow, a small black mark in front of the eye ; wings 
with two white bars; outer tail-feathers white; song, swee-chee, 
the first note higher, and also wee, chi-chi-chi-chi, char, chee-chur. 

041. Blue-winged Warbler. 
g. Forehead yellow; crown-cap black; cheeks yellow; wings and 
tail unmarked ; rather rare .... 685. Wilson's Warbler. 
2. Throat white or whitish. 

A. Length 5-00 ; crown brown or with blackish and bufty stripes. 

a. A conspicuous whitish line through the center of the crown, bor- 
dered by black lines; not common. 

639. Worm-eating Warbler. 

b. Crown plain brown; range, North Carolina and southward. 

638. Swainson's Warbler. 

B. Length 4 50 ; crown ashy or forehead yellow. 

a. Forehead yellow. 

a 1 . Breast white, with a barely perceptible tinge of yellow; wing- 
bars white or yellow, a black mark in front of the eye ; rare. 

641 + 642. Brewster's Warbler. 

b. Forehead not yellow. 

b 1 . Breast white, crown plain bluish ashy, clearly defined from 
the bright olive-green back . . . 647. Tennessee Warbler. 
b 2 . Breast whitish, tinged with yellow and indistinctly streaked 
with dusky ; crown dull ashy, not clearly denned from the back 
and with a partly concealed patch of rufous-brown; very rare 
in the Atlantic States north of South Carolina. 

646. Orange-crowned Warbler. 
Throat black, brown, or slate-color. 
1. Belly white. 

a. Back blue, a white spot near the outer edge of the wing; common. 

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler. 

b. Back green, cheeks yellow ; song, a buzzlike zee repeated live or 
six times, the next to last note the highest; common. 

667. Black-throated Green Warbler. 

c. Back grayish, forehead yellow, a black mark through the eye and 
a white line below it; a large patch of yellow on the wings; song, 
zee-zee-zee-zee, all on the same note ; not common. 

642. Golden-winged Warbler. 

d. Back black ; sides of the breast, middle of the w r ing, and base of 
the tail-feathers reddish orange ; movements active, tail frequently 
spread, the reddish color showing conspicuously ; abundant. 

687. Kedstart. 

e. Back streaked with black and white; song fine and wiry; move- 
ments like those of a Creeper; common. 

636. Black and White Warbler. 

f. Back streaked with bufty and black; forehead and cheeks black; 
crown-cap, throat, upper part of the breast, and sides chestnut; 
rather rare 660. Bay-breasted Warbler. 



342 WOOD WARBLERS. 

2. Belly yellow. 

A. Throat slate-color ; haunts near the ground. 

a. Breast showing traces of black, no white eye-ring; rare in most 
places 679. Mourning Warbler. 

b. Breast with no traces of black, a white eye-ring ; call a sharp 
peek; very rare in the spring . . 678. Connecticut Warbler. 

B. Throat black. - 

a. Forehead and crown yellow, wings with white bars, a black 
line through the eye; very rare. 

641 + 642. Lawrence's Warbler. 

b. Forehead and cheeks yellow, rest of the head and sides of the 
neck black ; outer tail-feathers almost entirely white ; haunts near 
the ground, generally in wet woods; movements active, the white 
tail-feathers showing conspicuously in night; lower Hudson Val- 
ley southward ; common 684. Hooded Warbler. 

c. Forehead yellow, a small black patch on the crown, white patches 
on the tail not reaching to the ends of the feathers; range, South 
Carolina southward 040. Bachman's Warbler. 

HI* Throat yellow or orange, under parts with streaks. 
(In one species a blackish brown band across the 
breast.) 

1. Belly white, with or without black streaks. 

a. Throat rich orange; back, black streaked with white; tolerably 
common . 662. Blackburnian Warbler. 

b. Throat bright yellow, back grayish ; range, Virginia southward ; 
abundant 663. Yellow-throated Warbler. 

663a. Sycamore Warbler. 

c. Throat yellow, with a blackish band crossing the upper part of the 
breast ; abundant 648. Parula Warbler. 

2. Belly yellow, with streaks or spots on the breast or sides. 
A. With black streaks or spots on the under parts. 

a. Back grayish, unstreaked ; a necklace of black spots on the breast ; 
no streaks on the sides or white on the wings or tail ; common. 

686. Canadian Warbler. 

b. Back black, crown grayish, a black stripe through the eye; breast 
and sides streaked with black; end of tail black, a white band 
across its middle ; common .... 657. Magnolia Warbler. 

c. Back streaked with white, center of the crown and line over the 
eye orange 662. Blackburnian Warbler. 

d. Back greenish, streaked with black ; crown black, a rufous ear- 
patch, a white patch on the wings, rump yellow; rare. 

650. Cape May Warbler. 

e. Back greenish, with a patch of rufous-brown ; haunts second 
growths and old bush-grown pastures ; common in some places. 

673. Prairie Warbler. 

f. Back grayish, streaked with black ; crown bluish ; no conspicuous 
white marking on the wings ; very rare in the United States. 

670. Kirtland's Warbler. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 343 

B. Under parts with rufous-brown streaks. 

a. Crown yellow, baek greenish, inner border of tail-feathers yel- 
low; general appearance that of a yellow bird; haunts lawns, 
orchards, and second growths ; rarely seen in deep woods ; abun- 
dant 652. Yellow Waijbler. 

b. Crown chestnut, back brownish, outer tail-feathers tipped with 
white; haunts near the ground, frequently seen along roadsides 
and in old fields; movements leisurely, constantly wags its tail; 
common . 672. Palm Waijbler. 672a. Yellow Palm Warbler. 

IV. Throat white or whitish, with streaks or spots on the 
under parts. (In two species a yellow patch on the 
sides of the breast.) 

1. A patch of yellow on the sides of the breast. 

a. Back grayish, streaked with black ; rump and a partly concealed 
crown-patch yellow; note, a loud tchip, generally uttered during 
flight; abundant 655. Myrtle Warbler. 

b. Back brown, breast more or less spotted with black ; a yellow band 
across the middle of wings and tail; movements active, tail fre- 
quently spread, the yellow band showing conspicuously ; abundant. 

687. Kedstart (Im.). 

2. No yellow patch on the sides of the breast. 

A. With wing-bars; back streaked with black; haunts in trees. 

a. Back bright blue ; very rare near the Atlantic coast. 

658. Cerulean Warbler. 

b. Back grayish, crown black; movements slow; abundant. 

661. Black-poll Warbler. 

c. Back greenish yellow, crown bright yellow, sides chestnut; com- 
mon 659. Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

B. Without wing-bars; back not streaked; haunts on or near the 
ground ; walkers, not hoppers. 

a. Crown pale rufous, bordered by black streaks ; song, aloud teacher, 
repeated eight or nine times and increasing in volume ; common. 

674. Ovenbird. 

b. Crown like the back, breast with a tinge of sulphur-yellow, an 
inconspicuous buffy line over the eye ; bill less than -50 in length ; 
common 675. Water Thrush. 

c. Crown like the back, breast and particularly flanks tinged with 
buffy, a conspicuous white line over the eye; bill nearly -75 in 
length ; a far shyer bird than the preceding; song loud and ring- 
ing; not common 676. Louisiana Water Thrush. 

636. Mniotilta varia (Linn.). Black and White Warbler; Black 

and White Creeper. (Fig. 93.) Ad. 6 • — No yellow anywhere ; upper parts 
streaked with black and white; car-coverts black; inner webs of outer tail- 
feathers with white patches; wing-coverts black, tipped with white; throat 
and upper breast black or black and white ; sides streaked with black and 
white ; middle of the belly white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the under parts 
with fewer black streaks ; sides washed with brownish. Im. $ . — Similar to 



344 WOOD WARBLERS. 

the 9 , but with more streaks on the under parts. L., 5*30; W., 2*73; T., 2-02; 
B. from N., -37. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Southern States north 
to Fort Simpson ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, abundant T. V., less common S. K., Apl. 12 to Oct. 15. Sing 
Sing, common S. R., Apl. 18 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, very common S. E., Apl. 
25 to Sept. 5. 

Nest, of strips of bark, grasses, etc., lined with rootlets or long hairs, on the 
ground at the base of a stump, log, or rock. Eggs, four to live, white, spotted 
and speckled with cinnamon- brown to umber, chiefly in a wreath at the larger 
end, -68 x -54. 

None of our Warblers can be more readily identified than this con- 
spicuously marked creeper. It is generally distributed throughout 
woodland, and climbs with even more agility than a true Creeper, 
hanging from the under surface of branches and twigs, and flitting 
actively from tree to tree after apparently the most superficial exami- 
nation. 

It is a generally silent bird, intent on food-getting, and its thin, 
wiry notes, see-see-see-see, are not frequently uttered. 

637* Protonotaria citrea (JBodd.). Phothonotary Warbler. 
Ad. 6 .—Whole head, neck, and under parts rich orange, lighter on the belly ; 
back greenish yellow, changing to bluish gray on the rump; wings and tail 
ashy ; inner webs of all but the middle tail-feathers white, except at the tip; 
no wing-bars. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the yellow is paler, the belly with more 
white. L., 5-50 ; W., 2-90; T., 1-85 ; B. from N., -42. 

Ka nge — Eastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States to southern 
Illinois and Virginia; wanders casually to Maine ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, of irregular occurrence in summer. 

Nest, of rootlets, fine twigs, and moss, plant down or feathers, in a hole in 
a stub or stump, generally of a willow tree. Eggs, four to six, white, thickly 
and rather coarsely marked distinctly and obscurely with cinnamon-brown, 
chestnut, or rufous-brown, -09 x '56. 

This exquisite Warbler frequents bushes and low trees — particu- 
larly willow trees — hanging over the water. Its call-note so closely 
resembles that of a Water Thrush (Seiurus), I have sometimes mis- 
taken it for that species. Its usual song, as Mr. Brewster remarks in 
his admirable biography* of this species, "sounds at a distance like 
the call of the Solitary Sandpiper, with a syllable or two added — a 
simple peet, tweet, tweet, tweet, given on the same key throughout. . . . 
Nearer at hand, however, the resemblance is lost, and a ringing, pene- 
trating quality becomes apparent in the Warbler's song." 

To thoroughly appreciate the Prothonotary's radiant beauty, one 

* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, 1878, pp. 153-1G2. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 345 

should float quietly in a canoe past its haunts. Its color shows to best 
advantage against the dark background of its home, and its every 
movement is a delight to the eye. 

638. Helinaia swainsonii And. Swainson's Warbler. Ad. — 

Crown cinnamon-brown ; a whitish line over the eye ; back, rump, wings, and 
tail olive grayish brown without white; under parts soiled yellowish white, 
grayer on the sides. L., 5-00 ; \V., 2>75 ; T., 1-90 ; B. from N., -46. 

Range. — Southern United States, north to North Carolina and Missouri ; 
south in winter to the tropics. 

Xe?t, externally of leaves, lined with pine needles and rootlets, in bushes, 
canes, palmettos, and clumps of vines, from three to ten feet above the ground 
or surface of the water. Eggs, three to four, white, with a faint bluish tinge, 
•75 x -54 (Davie). 

The history of Swainson's Warbler is very similar to that of Bach- 
man's Warbler. It was discovered by Dr. Bachman near Charleston, 
South Carolina, in 1832, and for somewhat over fifty years was prac- 
tically a lost species, but proves now to be a common bird in some 
parts of its range. Its rediscovery near Charleston by Mr. A. T. Wayne 
and Mr. Brewster is recounted by the latter in an article * which ade- 
quately portrays the bird, its habits and haunts. It lives on and near 
the ground, and, according to Mr. Brewster's experience, four things 
seem indispensable to its existence — " water, tangled thickets, patches 
of cane, and a rank growth of semi-aquatic plants.'' Its song, which 
is highly ventriloquial, is described by the same author as "a series of 
clear, ringing whistles, the first four uttered rather slowly and in the 
same key, the remaining five or six given more rapidly, and in an 
evenly descending scale. ... In general effect it recalls the song of 
the Water Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis). It is very loud, very rich, 
very beautiful, while it has an indescribable tender quality that thrills 
the senses after the sound has ceased." 

639. Helmitherus vermivorus ( Gmel.). Worm-eating Warbler. 
(Fig. 94.) Ad. — A black line from the eye to the nape, and two on the crown 
from either nostril; an olive-buffy line over either eye, and a third through 
the center of the crown ; back, wings, and tail olive-green without white ; 
under parts whitish cream-buff, whiter on the throat and belly. L., 5*51 ; W., 
2-78; T., 2-05; B. from X., -39. 

Range.— Eastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States north to 
southern Illinois and southern Connecticut; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, quite common S. E., A pi. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, common 
S. E., May 7 to Aug. 23. Cambridge, A. V., one instance, Sept. 

Nest, of rootlets, leaves, and bark, on the ground. Eggs, four to six, white, 
speckled, spotted, or blotched with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, -GS x -54. 

* The Auk, ii. 1885, pp. 65-80 ; see also ibid., pp. 346-348, and also Perry, Orn. 
and Ool., xi, 1886, p. 188 ; xii, 1887, p. 141. 



34G WOOD WARBLERS. 

This comparatively rare, retiring Warbler may be found on dry 
wooded slopes, hillsides, and ravines, generally where there is a rather 
dense undergrowth, but occasionally where the ground is quite clear 
and open. It lives on or near the ground, and in its slow, deliberate 
actions resembles a Vireo more than the usually active Warblers. Its 
call-note is a sharp chip, while its song, as all observers agree, closely 
resembles that of the Chipping Sparrow, but is somewhat weaker. 

640. Helminthophila bachmani (And.). Bachman's Warbler. 
Ad. 6 . — Forehead yellow, bordered by a black patch on the crown ; back of 
the head bluish gray; back and rump bright olive-green ; lesser wing-coverte 
yellow ; tail grayish, all but the middle feathers with white patches on their 
inner web near the tips; throat and belly yellow, a large black patch on the 
breast. Ad. 9 .—Crown grayish ; forehead yellowish ; back, wings, and tail 
as in the 6 ; under parts whitish, washed with yellow on the throat and breast ; 
bend of the wing yellow. L., 4-25 ; W., 2-40 ; T., 1*80 ; B. from N., -32. 

Range. — Southeastern United States, west to New Orleans, north to South 
Carolina; south in winter to Cuba, and probably Central America; accidental 
in Virginia. 

k - Nest, in low trees. Eggs, four," dull grayish white, heavily blotched 
with umber in the form of a broken band about the larger end, a few spots 
and specks of the same color, and numerous irregular, obscure lavender mark- 
ings are distributed over the remaining surface, -7-4 x -60. (Described from 
only known specimen, collected by Dr. S. W. Wilson on St. Simon's Island, 
Georgia, April 30, 18f>-4; see Bailey, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 1SS3, p. 38.) 

Bach man's Warbler was described by Audubon from a pair of birds 
taken by Dr. Bachman at Charleston, South Carolina, in July, 1833. 
Several specimens were subsequently taken in the West Indies during 
the winter, but over fifty years passed before the species was again 
found in the United Slates. It proves now to be a common bird in 
parts of its range, and lias been found in large numbers near New 
Orleans, and on the Suwanee Kiver in Florida in March and April, 
and at Key West in late July and August. At each of these places, 
however, it has been observed only as a migrant, and its breeding 
home is still unknown. 

Mr. Brewster and myself had excellent opportunities to study its 
habits on the Suwanee River, and in The Auk for 1801, pp. 149-157, 
will be found a detailed account of our observations written by Mr. 
Brewster. It was migrating with other Warblers, and kept to the 
tops of the highest trees. It is not improbable, however, that when 
in its breeding haunts it may prove to be a low-ranging bird like most 
of the members of this genus. Its movements were rather leisurely, 
and resembled those of II. piuus or H. celata. Its song, which only 
Mr. Brewster was fortunate enough to hear, is described by him as 
resembling the song of the Parula Warbler. 






WOOD WARBLERS. 347 

641* Helminthophila pinus (Lum.\ Blue-winged Warbler. 
(Fig. 95.) Ad. 6 . — Crown and entire under parts bright yellow, a black line 
through the eye; back and rump bright olive-green; wings and tail bluish 
gray ; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white or yellowish white; 
outer three tail -feathers with large white patches on their inner webs, fourth 
feather with a much smaller patch. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but yellow on the head 
confined to the forehead ; under parts duller. L., 4'SO ; W., 2*40 ; T., 1*80 ; B. 
from N., -33. 

Remarks. — The only variation of note in the plumage of otherwise typical 
specimens of this species occurs in the color of the wing-bars, which in some 
specimens are tinged with yellow. A specimen in Mr. Brewster's collection 
\ . 25,511, Seymour, Conn., June 11,1880, E. A. Eames) shows this variation 
carried to an extreme, and has the wing-bars as broadly yellow as in 1L chrys- 
pptera, though in every other respect it is typical pinus. Between this spe- 
cies and //. chryaoptera there exists a complete set of intergrades, which are 
variously called //. leucobronchialis and //. lawrencei. They are generally 
considered to be hybrids, and it has also been suggested that dichromatism 
may aid in producing their coloration. Their relationships will be found dis- 
cussed under the following references: Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 
1881, p. 218; Kidgway, Auk, ii, 18S5, p. 359; Manual N. A. Birds, 1887, 
p. 486. 

Range.— Eastern United States; breeds as far north as southern Minnesota 
and Connecticut; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, rather uncommon T. V., Apl. 28 to May 25; Aug. 5 to Sept.; 
a few breed. Sing Sing, common S. R., May 4 to Sept. 7. 

Nest, of bark and leaves, lined with fine strips of bark and tendrils, and 
firmly wrapped with numerous leaves, whose stems point upward, on the 
ground, generally in or at the border of second growth. Eggs, four to six, 
white, thinly speckled with rufous, cinnamon-brown, or rufous-brown, 
•♦52 x -50. 

This species may be found in scrubby second growths, woodland 
borders, or even the lower trees of dense woods. Its movements are 
rather slow and leisurely, and, like a* Chickadee, it may sometimes be 
seen hanging head downward while searching for food. 

It is at times a rather persistent songster, and its peculiar song is 
not likely to be mistaken for that of any other Warbler. As a rule, 
it consists of the two drawled, wheezy notes swee-chee ; the first inhaled, 
the second exhaled. A less common song, uttered later in the season, 
is ivee, cM-chi-chi-chi, chur, chee-chur, and is sometimes accompanied 
by peculiar kilc notes. 

Helminthophila leucobronchialis (Brewst.). Brewster's War- 
bler. Ad. $ . — Forehead and fore part of the crown yellow, a black line 
from the bill through the eye: rest of the upper parts bluish gray; wing- 
bars broadly yellow ; tail like the back, three to four outer feathers marked 
with white; under parts pure white, 'faintly washed with yellow on the 
breast. Fall specimens are more heavily washed with yellow, and the upper 



348 WOOD WARBLERS. 

parts are margined with olive-green. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but wing-bars white, 
and crown not so bright. 

Remarks. — The descriptions are from typical specimens of the puzzling 
bird known as Helminthophila leucobronchialis. Between it and H. pinus 
there are specimens showing every degree of intergradation. Typical exam- 
ples are comparatively rare, and the most common form has the breast heavily 
washed with yellow, the back tinged with olive-green, and the white wing- 
bars washed with yellow ; in other words, about intermediate between typ- 
ical leucobronchialis and typical pinus. 

This hybrid, color phase, or species — I do not presume to say what 
it is, for I think some day we may understand its relationships more 
fully — has been found in Louisiana, from Virginia northward to Con- 
necticut, and as far west as Michigan. Its breeding range appar- 
ently coincides with that of H. pinus. Upward of one hundred speci- 
mens, representing typical leucobronchialis and various phases of its 
intergradation with pinus are known, and in the Connecticut River 
Valley the bird is stated to be more frequent than H. chrysoptera. 
In general habits it resembles both pinus and chrysoptera. Some in- 
dividuals sing like the former, some like the latter, while others have 
notes of their own. (See Fisher, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, p. 
234; vi, 1881, p. 245; Auk, ii, 1885, p. 378; Chapman, ibid., iv, 1887, 
p. 348; ix, 1892, p. 302; Eames, ibid., v, 1888, p. 427; vi, 1889, p. 305; 
Bishop, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 192 ; Sage, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 279 ; x, 1893, 
p. 208.) 

Helminthophila lawrencei (Herrick). Lawrence's Warbler — 
Ad. 6 . — Forehead and fore part of the crown yellow, rest of the upper parts 
bright olive-green ; wing-bars white ; tail bluish gray, the three to four outer 
feathers marked with white; a black patch on the cheek divided by a yellow 
line from the black patch on the throat and upper breast; lower breast and 
belly yellow, under tail-coverts white. Ad. 9 . — Forehead dingy yellow, 
rest of the upper parts bright olive-green ; wing-bars white, tinged with yel- 
low ; tail as in the 6 , black patches of the 6 replaced by dusky olive-green. 

Remarks. — This bird combines the characters of pinus and chrysoptera; 
it has the black cheek-patches and breast-patch of the latter, but in other 
respects resembles the former, and is doubtless a hybrid between the two. 
Its history and a discussion of its relationships will be found under the refer- 
ences given above. It is a much rarer bird than Brewster's Warbler, and 
less than a dozen specimens have been recorded. 

642. Helminthophila chrysoptera {Linn.). Golden-winged 

Warbler. (Fig. 96.) Ad. 6 . — Crown bright yellow; rest of the upper parts 
bluish gray, sometimes washed with greenish ; a large black patch about the 
eye, separated from another on the throat by a white stripe ; a white line over 
the eye; wings and tail bluish gray; tips of* middle wing-coverts and outer 
webs of greater ones bright yellow, forming a large yellow patch on the wing: 
outer three tail-feathers with large white patches on their inner webs at the 



WOOD WARBLERS. 3^9 

tip, fourth feather with a smaller patch ; lower breast and belly white ; sides 
grayish. Ad. $ . — Similar, but the crown duller, the patch on the sides of 
the head and throat grayish instead of black. L., 5*10; W., 2*46; T.,1'94; 
B. from N., -34. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from Indiana and northern New 
Jersey north to Michigan, southern Ontario, and Vermont; south along the 
Alleghanies to South Carolina; winters in Central America. 

Washington, uncommon T. V., May 1 to 28 ; Aug. Sing Sing, rare S. R., 
May 8 to Aug. 25. Cambridge, not uncommon S. R., May 12 to Aug. 25. 

Nest, much like that, of H. pinus, on or near the ground, in second 
growths or bushy fields. Eggs, four to six, white, speckled and spotted, 
chiefly about the larger end, with cinnamon-brown, chestnut, or umber, 
M>2 x -50. 

In their actions and choice of haunts the Golden-winged resemble 
the Blue-winged Warblers. Their song is of much the same quality, 
but the notes are all of the same kind and length, and the bird utters 
a rather lazy zee-zee-zee-zee, at once distinguishable from the song of 
pinus. 

645. Helminthophila ruficapilla ( Wits.). Nashville War- 
bler. Ad. — Top and sides of the head bluish gray, a partially concealed 
chestnut patch in the center of the crown ; back and rump bright olive-green ; 
wings and tail edged with the same and without white ; under parts bright 
yellow, whiter on the belly. Im. — Upper parts dull olive-green, more or less 
washed with brownish; rump brighter; wings and tail as in the ad.; sides 
of the head brownish ashy, eye-ring white; under parts yellowish, brighter 
on the breast ; sides brownish. L., 4*77 ; W., 2-33 ; T., 1-81 ; B. from 
N., -28. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Illinois and 
Connecticut northward to Labrador and the fur countries; winters in the 
tropics. 

Washington, uncommon T. V., May 5 to 20 ; Sept. 5 to 20. Sing Sing, 
tolerably common T. V., May 7 to 27 ; Aug. 11 to Oct. 4 ; may breed. Cam- 
bridge, rather common S. R., May 5 to Oct. 1, more common T. V. 

Nest, of grasses and moss, lined with finer grasses and fine, hairlike root- 
lets, on the ground, in partial clearings or tree-grown pastures. Eggs, four 
to five, white, thickly speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with rufous or cin- 
namon-brown, -61 x -48. 

This Warbler is an inhabitant of rather open woodland, young 
second growth, or tree-bordered fields. In addition to the usual chip, 
it has a sharp, characteristic call-note, while its song is about as likely 
to attract attention as that of the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Minot 
writes it " wee -see-wee -see, wit' -a-wit' -a-wit' ," while Langille gives it 
as " ke-tsee-ke-tsee-ke-tsee-chip-ee-chip-ee-chip-ee-chip," and compares 
the first half to the penetrating notes of the Black and White Warbler, 
and the last half to the twitter of the Chipping Sparrow. 



350 WOOD WARBLERS. 

646. Helminthophila celata (Say). Orange-crowned Warbler. 
Ad. — Upper parts rather ashy olive-green; feathers of the crown orange- 
rufous at the base ; wings and tail edged with olive-green and without white ; 
eye-ring yellow : under parts greenish yellow, obscurely streaked with dusky 
on the breast. Im. — Similar, but without orange-rufous in the crown ; upper 
parts more ashy; under parts duller; eye-ring white. L., 5*00; W., 250; 
T., 1-95 ; B. from N., -31. 

Range.— Breeds in the interior of British Columbia, and as far north as 
the " Yukon and Mackenzie River districts, and southward through the 
Rocky Mountains ; winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States and 
Mexico." 

Washington, casual T. V., one instance, Oct. Sing Sing, A. V. Cam- 
bridge, rare T. V.,in fall, Sept. 30; Oct. 2. 

JVest, of leaves and line grasses, on or near the ground. Eggs, four to five, 
white, with specks or spots of cinnamon-brown or rufous, more numerous at 
the larger end, -03 x -40. 

Orange-crowned Warblers are rare in the North Atlantic States. 
In Florida, where they are common in the winter, they evidently pre- 
fer the densely foliaged live and water oaks. Their sharp chip is suffi- 
ciently characteristic to be recognized after one has become thoroughly 
familiar with it. Their song, which I have never heard, is described 
by Colonel Goss as consisting of " a few sweet trills uttered in a spir- 
ited manner, and abruptly ending on a rising scale." 

647. Helminthophila peregrina ( Wils.). Tennessee Waebler. 

(See Fig. 53, a.) Ad. 6 . — Top and sides of the head bluish gray, sharply de- 
lined from the bright olive-green back and rump ; wings and tail edged with 
olive-green; no white wing-bars; inner margin of inner vane of outer tail- 
feathers generally white at the tip ; under parts white, sometimes tinged with 
yellow. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but crown tinged with greenish and under parts 
washed with yellowish. Im. — Upper parts uniform olive-green ; under parts 
washed with yellowish ; under tail-coverts white. L., 5-00 ; W., 2*63 ; T., 1*69 ; 
B. from N., -32. 

Remarks. — The adults of this and the two preceding species may be dis- 
tinguished with ease ; immature birds, however, are frequently confused. 
The Nashville is distinctly yellow on the breast and under tail-coverts; the 
Orange-crowned is pale greenish yellow, with dusky streaks and yellow 
under tail-coverts; the Tennessee is pale greenish yellow, ivithout streaks, 
and with the under tail-coverts white. 

Range.— Eastern North America ; breeds from Minnesota, northern New 
York, and New Brunswick northward; winters in Central America. 

Washington, T. V., not observed in spring; occasionally common in fall, 
Aug. 25 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 22 to 27 ; Aug. 22 to Oct. 2. 
Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15 to 28 ; Sept. 

JVest, of fine hempen fibers, grasses, and moss, lined with hair, in low 
bushes near the ground. Eggs, pearly white, with a circle of brown and pur- 
plish spots about the larger end, *60 x -50 (B., B., and K.). 



WOOD WARBLERS. 



351 




Fio. 93.— Black and White Warbler. 




: "' *-"~'-^nwk \ 




Fig. 97.— Parula Warbler. 




Fig. 94.— Worm-eating Warbler. 



Fig. 98.— Myrtle Warbler. 




fio. 95.— Blue-winged Warbler. 




—Magnolia Warbler. 





Fig. 96.— Golden-winged Warbler. Fig. 100.— Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

Figs. 93-100.— Heads of Warblers. (Natural size.) 



352 WOOD WARBLERS. 

This bird has the general habits of the Orange-crowned or Nashville 
Warblers. Ernest Thompson describes its song as beginning with a 
note like chipiti, chipiti, repeated a dozen or more times, with increas- 
ing rapidity, then suddenly changed into a mere twitter. Bradford 
Torrey says the Tennessee's song "is more suggestive of the Nash- 
ville's than of any other, but so decidedly different as never for a mo- 
ment to be confounded with it," and adds a detailed description (The 
Footpath Way, p. 8). 

648. Compsothlypis americana {Linn.). Parula Warbler; 
Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. (Fig. 97.) Ad. 6 . — Upper parts grayish 
blue; a greenish-yellow patch in the middle of the back ; greater and lesser 
wing-coverts tipped with white ; outer tail-feathers with a white patch near 
the end ; throat and breast yellow, more or less marked with pale rufous, a 
black, or bluish black, or rufous band across the breast ; belly white; sides 
sometimes marked with rufous. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the rufous color and 
band on the breast sometimes absent. Irn. — Like the 9 . L., 4"73 ; W., 240 ; 
T.,1-76; B. from N., -32. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States northward 
to Anticosti ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, abundant T. V., Apl. 20 to May 20 ; Aug. 20 to Oct. 15 ; a 
few breed. Sing Sing, common T. V., May 2 to 28 ; Sept. 21 to Oct. 7. Cam- 
bridge, common T. V., May 1 to 28 ; Sept. 10 to 30. 

Nest, generally in bunches of Usnea " moss." Eggs, four to five, white, 
with rufous markings, chiefly in a wreath about the larger end, *66 x -47. 

During its migrations the Parula is very generally distributed, but 
when nesting it selects localities in which there is an abundance of 
Spanish or Usnea " moss." 

In Florida the Parula's notes mark the beginning of a new ornitho- 
logical year, and its song is so associated in my mind with the beauties 
of a southern spring that in describing it as a short, insectlike buzz 
I realize how largely its charm is borrowed from its surroundings. 
When the cypresses are enveloped in a haze of lacelike blossoms, and 
the woods are fragrant with the delicious odor of yellow jasmine, the 
dreamy softness of the air is voiced by the Parula's drowsy song. 

650. Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.). Cape May Warbler. (Sec 
F\cr. 1.) Ad. 6 .—Crown black, slightly tipped with greenish; ear-coverts 
rufous, bounded behind by a large yellow patch on the side of the* neck ; 
back olive-green, broadly streaked with black ; rump yellow or greenish 
yellow; a large white patch on the wing -coverts ; outer tail-feathers with a 
lar^e white patch on their inner webs, near the tip ; under parts yellow, heavily 
streaked with black ; lower belly and under tail-coverts whitish. Ad. 9 .— 
Upper parts grayish olive-green ; rump yellowish ; a yellow line over the eye ; 
middle wing-covert < with narrow white tips; outer tail-feathers with a white 
patch on their inner webs near the tip; under parts yellow, streaked with 



WOOD WARBLERS. 353 

black; belly and under tail-coverts whiter. Im. & .— Resembles the 9 , but 
the wing-coverts have more white. Im. 9 . — Similar to ad. 9 , but with little 
or no yellow on the under parts. L., 5-00 ; W., 2-61 ; T., 1*88; B. from N., -30. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern New England 
north to Hudson Bay ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, sometimes very common, usually uncommon T. V., May 5 to 
20 ; Aug. 25 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., Aug. 20 to Oct. 1. 
Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15 to 25; Aug. 25 to Sept, 15. 

Nest % partially pensile, of twigs and grass fastened with spiders' webbing, 
lined with horsehair, on a low branch of a small tree in pasture or open 
woodland. Eggs, three to four, dull white or butty, .slightly specked, and 
wreathed around the larger end with spots of brown and lilac, *70 x -50 
(Chamberlain). 

During its migrations this generally rare Warbler may be found 
associated with its wood-inhabiting congeners. In the summer it 
haunts the higher branches of coniferous trees. Mr. Chamberlain 
describes its song as somewhat resembling "the simple lay of the 
Nashville, though its voice is neither so full nor so sweet, recalling the 
thin, wiry tones of the Black and White Creeper. ,, 

652. Dendroica sestiva (Gmel). Yellow Warbler. Ad. S .— 

Upper parts bright greenish yellow, brighter on the crown ; wings edged with 
yellow ; tail fuscous, the inner vanes of the feathers yellow ; under parts bright 
yellow, streaked with rufous. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts uniform yellowish olive- 
green ; tail as in the 6 ; wings fuscous, edged with yellow ; under parts bright 
yellow, slightly, if at all, streaked with rufous on the breast and sides. Im. 6 . 
— Similar to the 9 . Im. 9 . — Upper parts light olive-green ; tail fuscous, the 
inner margins of the inner vanes of the tail-feathers yellow ; under parts uni- 
form dusky yellowish. L., 5*10 ; W., 2-40 ; T., 1-89 ; B. from N., -33. 

Remarks. — In any plumage this bird may be known by the yellow on the 
inner vanes of the tail-feathers. 

Range. — North America, except Southwestern States; breeds northward 
to the arctic regions ; winters as far south as northern South America. 

Washington, common S. K, abundant T. V., Apl. 18 to Sept. 30. Sing 
Sing, common S. B., Apl. 30 to Sept. 27. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May 1 
to Sept 30. 

Nest, of fine grasses and hempen libers, with a conspicuous amount of plant 
down, lined with plant down, fine grasses, and sometimes long hairs, in the 
shrubs or trees of lawns or orchards. Eggs, four to five, bluish white, thickly 
marked with cinnamon- and olive-brown, with frequently a wreath about the 
larger end, '70 x -50. 

W x hen any one tells me he has seen a " Wild Canary," I feel rea- 
sonably sure he refers to the Yellow Warbler, for the casual observer 
at once betrays his inexperience by entirely overlooking the bird's 
streaked breast and slender bill. 

It has, it is true, the general appearance of a yellow bird, and its 
24 



354 



WOOD WARBLERS. 



bright colors and preference for gardens, orchards, the shrubbery of 
our lawns or bushy brooksides, instead of the woods, frequently brings 
it to the attention of those to whom most birds are strangers. 

It is an active bird, and its sQiig—wee~chee, chee, chee, cher-wee— 
though simple, has a pleasing, happy ring. 

654. Demdroica ccerulescens (Gmel). Black-throated Blue 
Warbler. Ad. $ .—Upper parts grayish blue, back sometimes blackish ; 
miners and tail edged with blue ; base of the primaries white, forming a white 
spot°on the wing at the end of the primary coverts ; inner vanes of outer tail- 




Fig. 101.— Black-throated Blue Warbler. (Reduced.) 

feathers with a white patch near their tips ; sides of the head and throat black ; 
sides mixed black and white ; breast and belly white. Ad. 9 .-Upper parts 
uniform olive-green ; tail generally with a faint bluish tinge, the white patch 
on the outer feathers scarcely distinguishable; white at the base of the prima- 
ries much reduced and sometimes concealed by the primary coverts; ear-cov- 
erts dusky gray ; under parts soiled butty yellowish. Im. 6 .-Similar to ad. 
$ but the^upper parts washed with greenish, the throat tipped with white, 
and less black on the sides. Im. 9 .-Similar to ad. 9 , but somewhat yellower. 
L., 5-28; W., 2-52 ; T., 2-06 ; B. from N., -20. 

XemarJcs.-The white spot at the base of the primaries is the distinguish- 
ing mark of this species. 

Range.— Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Minnesota (prob- 



WOOD WARBLERS. 355 

ably) and Connecticut (rarely) northward to Labrador, and south along the 
crest of the Alleghanies to Georgia; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 25; Aug. 27 to Oct. 18. 
Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 28 ; Aug. 26 to Oct. 10. Cambridge, 
rather common T. V., May 10 to 25 ; Sept. 20 to Oct. 10. 

Nest, of strips of bark, fine grasses, and pine needles, lined with hairlike 
black rootlets, in the heavier undergrowth of dense woods, usually within 
two feet of the ground. Eggs, three to five, grayish white, with distinct and 
obscure olive-brown markings, chiefiy about the larger ends, -68 x *50. 

The male Black-throated Blue Warbler can be identified at sight, 
but his obscurely colored mate has been the cause of many a field 
student's neckaehe. When flitting about with other Warblers it is 
difficult to observe any positive character by which to distinguish her; 
but the white spot at the base of the primaries is an unmistakable 
mark, if one can see it clearly. 

When nesting, the birds seem to require woods with rather heavy 
undergrowth. Their call-note is a sharp, recognizable chip. The 
song of the male is generally written zwee-zwee-zwee, but both call- 
notes and song are subject to variation. 

655. Dendroica coronata (Linn.). Myrtle Warbler ; Yellow- 
rumped Warbler. (Fig. 9S.) Ad. 6 .—A yellow patch on the crown, rump, 
and either side of the breast / upper parts bluish gray, streaked with black ; 
two white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white spots on their inner 
vanes near the tip; throat white; breast and upper belly heavily marked 
with black ; lower belly white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with less black below ; 
breast simply streaked with black; upper parts browner. Im. and ads. in 
winter. — Yellow crown patch more or less concealed by brownish tips to the 
feathers ; rump bright yellow ; yellow on the sides of the breast much re- 
duced ; upper parts grayish brown, streaked with black ; wing-bars grayish ; 
tail with white patches; under parts soiled white, streaked with black. L., 
5-65; W., 2-85; T., 2*25; B. from N., -29. 

Remarks. — The yellow patches on the crown, rump, and sides of the breast 
are characteristic of this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and 
northern New England northward ; winters from the Middle States south- 
ward. 

Washington, abundant W. V., Sept. 28 to May 20. Sing Sing, common 
T. V., Apl. 13 to May 28; Aug. 16 to Nov. 11; a few winter. Cambridge, 
abundant T. V., Apl. 18 to May 20 ; Sept. 20 to Nov. 3 ; a few winter. 

Nest, of vegetable fibers lined with grasses, in coniferous trees five to ten 
feet up. Eggs, four or five, white or grayish white, distinctly and obscurely 
spotted and speckled or blotched with olive-brown or rufous-brown, 1*70 x -52. 

These strong, hardy Warblers leave their cousins of the woods 
and in loose companies forage in old fields and scrubby growths 
among the bayberry or myrtle (31yrica cerifera) bushes, which bear 



356 WOOD WARBLERS. 

their favorite food. So fond are they of these berries that their mot* 
meats ^Tre largely governed by the success or failure of the bayberry 
Z Tea. my home at Englewood, N. J., Myrtle Warbkrs are always 
common during the winter if there is an abundance of baybernes and 
nUvnvs nbsent when the berries are wanting. 

' N'o Warblr is more easily identified than this bird with its four 
v n„,.f rv,trhes of vellow. The yellow rump is conspicuous in Me, 
ait in cltlL,: with the bird, characteristic tcM P , forms an excel- 
lent field-mark. 

Audubon's Wabbler (656. Dendroica auduboni), a species of the Western 
States, has been once recorded.from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. 

657. Dendroica maculosa (Gmel). Magnolia Warbler; Black 

V«, ow Waim-lek (Fig. 99.) Ad. $ .-Crown bluish gray, cheeks and 

Zhead b le^a S hue behind the eye ; back black, bordered with olive- 

! ZZ a lame white patch on the wing-coverts; rump yellow, tad black n- 

11™' of all but the central feathers with white patches on thnr rmddU 

he end hill of the feather being entirely Hack; throat yellow, breast and 

tics heav y streaked with black. Ad. 9 .-Similar, but with the colors 

on the belly ; sides with a few black streaks. L., 5 12 , W., 2 30, T., 200, 15 

fr ° n irfe -In any plumage this bird may be known by the white patches 

on th ta itin, .ear he middle instead of at the tip of the leathers 

on the tad bc.n America; breeds from northern Michigan and 

sl ,::::::riT,M; r . £■#£» »- »• <— «- - 

iV^, ot nne t g , three ^ fi whlte? marked 

•66 x -48. 

Adult Magnolia Warblers are so distinctly marked that ord.nan y 

they mi be identified at sight. Immature birds are less string* 

o Ired, but in any plumage the species may be ^^J^J 

;3sT;o= h rr 

low Sbier, is described by Mr. Langille as - a loud, clear whistle, 



WOOD WARBLERS. 357 

which may be imitated by the syllables chee-to, chee-to, chee-tee-ee s 
uttered rapidly and ending in the falling inflection. 

658. Dendroica cserulea ( Wils.). Cerulean Warbler. Ad. 6 , 
— Upper parts bright blue, the sides of head and back streaked with black ; 
wings and tail edged with blue ; two white wing-bars; inner vanes of all but 
the central tail-feathers with white patches at their tips; under parts white, 
a bluish black band across the breast; sides streaked with bluish black. 
Ad. 9. — Upper parts bluish olive-green; wings and tail as in the 3; under 
parts white, generally more or less tinged with pale yellow. Im. — Similar to 
ad. 9 , but yellower. L., 4-50 ; W., 2*65 ; B. from N., -31. 

Range. — Breeds in the Mississippi Valley as far north as Minnesota, and 
eastward as far as Lockport, N. Y. (Davison) ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, very rare T. V., two instances, May. 

JVest, of line grasses bound with spiders 1 silk, lined with strips of bark 
and line grasses and with a few lichens attached to its outer surface, in a tree, 
twenty-live to fifty feet from the ground. Eggs, four, creamy white, thickly 
covered with rather heavy blotches cf reddish brown, -60 x 47 (Allen, Bull. 
Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, p. 26). 

In writing of this species as observed by him in Ritchie County, 
West Virginia, Mr. Brewster says : 

" Decidedly the most abundant of the genus here. The first speci- 
men taken May 5. They inhabit exclusively the tops of the highest 
forest trees, in this respect showing an affinity with D. blackburnice. 
In actions they most resemble D. pensylvanica, carrying the tail 
rather high and having the same 'smart bantamlike appearance.' 
Were it not for these prominent characteristics they would be very 
difficult to distinguish in the tree tops from Parula [= Compsothlypis] 
americana, the songs are so precisely alike. That of the latter bird 
has, however, at least two regular variations : in one, beginning low 
down, he rolls his guttural little trill quickly and evenly up the scale, 
ending apparently only when he can get no higher ; in the other the 
commencement of this trill is broken or divided into syllables, like zee, 
zee, zee, ze-ee-ee-eep. This latter variation is the one used by D. ccerulea, 
and I could detect little or no difference in the songs of dozens of in- 
dividuals. At best it is a modest little strain and far from deserving 
the encomium bestowed upon it by Audubon, who describes it as 'ex- 
tremely sweet and mellow ' ; decidedly it is neither of these, and he 
must have confounded with it some other species. In addition to the 
song they utter the almost universal Dendroicine lisp and also the 
characteristic tchep of D. coronata, which I had previously supposed 
entirely peculiar to that bird." 

659. Dendroica pensylvanica (Linn.). Chestnut-sided War- 
bler. (Fig. 100.) Ad. 6 .—Crown bright yellow, a black line behind the 
eye; front part of the cheeks black; ear-coverts white ; back streaked with 



358 WOOD WARBLERS. 

black and margined with bright olive-green; wing-bars yellowish white; 
tail black, the outer feathers with white patches on their inner vanes at the 
tip; under parts white, the sides chestnut, A<1. 9. — Similar, but somewhat 
duller in color. Im. — Very different; upper parts bright yellowish olive- 
green, back sometimes streaked with black; wing-bars yellowish white; 
under parts pure, silky white, the sides sometimes with spots or patches of 
chestnut, L., 5-14; W., 245; T., 2-00; B. from N., '20. 

Range, — Eastern North America; breeds from central Illinois and north- 
ern New Jersey north to Manitoba and Newfoundland, and southward along 
the Alleghanies to South Carolina ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, abundant T. V., Apl, 28 to May 30; Aug. 10 to Sept. 30. 
Sing Sing, tolerably common S. K., May 2 to Sept. 2-i. Cambridge, common 
S. K., May 5 to Sept. 10. 

Nest, of strips of bark, leaf stems, etc., lined with tendrils and rootlets, in 
bushes, about three feet up. Eggs, four to live, white, with numerous distinct 
and obscure cinnamon- and olive-brown markings, chiefly in a wreath about 
the larger end, *69 x *50. 

When settled for the summer, Chestnut-sided Warblers may be 
found in second growths, scrubby clearings, or the bushy borders of 
woodlands. There is a suggestion in their movements of the restless 
activity of the Redstart, as with drooped wings and slightly raised 
tail they flit among the lower growth. They have two songs, both of 
which closely resemble that of the Yellow Warbler, though a practiced 
ear can at once recognize the song of either. 

Adults of this species are too conspicuously marked to be mistaken 
for any other Warbler, but in the fall have a care in identifying the 
very differently colored young. 

660. Dendroica castanea (Wils.). Bay -breasted Warbler. 
Ad. $ . — Forehead and cheeks black, a cream-buff patch on the sides of the 
neck; crown chestnut; throat, upper breast, a/id sides chestnut- rufous ; back 
brownish ashy, streaked with black; two white wing-bars; inner vanes of 
outer tail-feathers with white patches at their tips; lower breast and belly 
buffy white. Ad. 9 . — Crown olive-given, streaked with black and with gen- 
erally some chestnut; rest of upper parts as in the 3 ; under parts buffy white; 
breast and sides more or less stained with rufous. Im. — Upper parts bright 
olive-green, indistinctly streaked with black ; wings and tail much as in the 
ads.; under parts white, tinged with cream-buff, especially on the flanks. 
L., 5-00; W., 2-95; T., 2-12; B. from N., -30. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Michigan and 
northern New England northward to Hudson Bay and Labrador; winters in 
Central America. 

Washington, sometimes abundant, usually uncommon T. V., May 10 to 
20; Aug. 28 to Oct. 20. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 14 to 28; 
Aug. 5 to Sept. 2d. Cambridge, rather rare T. V., May 15 to 25 ; Sept. 12 to 28. 

NfSt, of grasses and plant fibers, lined with plant down and long hairs, 
in coniferous trees, five to twenty feet up. Eggs, four to five, white, finely 



WOOD WARBLERS. 359 

marked, chiefly at the larger end, distinctly and obscurely with cinnamon-, 
olive-, or rufous- brown, '72 x -52. 

During its migrations this tastefully marked Warbler is generally 
uncommon enough to be considered somewhat of a prize, though at 
irregular intervals it becomes comparatively common. It is said to 
be much rarer in fall than in spring, but the immature Bay-breasts so 
closely resemble the usually abundant young Black-polls that it is 
sometimes difficult to determine specimens, while living birds could 
not possibly be distinguished. 

In the summer the Bay-breasts inhabit the northern coniferous for- 
ests, living, it is said, in the tree tops. Mr. Langillc writes: u Their 
song, said to begin like that of the Black-poll and end like that of the 
Redstart, bears to my ear no resemblance whatever to either, but is a 
very soft warble, somewhat resembling the syllables tse-chee, tse-chee, 
tse-chee, tse-chee, tse-chee, but far too liquid to admit of exact spelling." 

661. Dendroica striata (Forst.). Black-poll Warbler. (Fig. 
102.) Ad. 6 . — Crown black ; ear-coverts white ; nape streaked, black and 
white; back and rump ashy, streaked with black; two white wing-bars; 
inner vanes of outer tail-feathers with white patches at their tips: under 
parts white, streaked with black, the streaks most numerous on the sides, 
and wanting on the middle of the breast and belly. Ad. 9 . — Upper parts 
olive-green, distinctly streaked with black ; wings and tail as in the $ ; under 
parts white, tinged with yellow, the breast and sides distinctly streaked with 
black. Im. — Similar to 9 , but the upper parts brighter and not distinctly 
streaked, the under parts yellower and not distinctly streaked. L., 5*56; W., 
2-92 ; T., 2-05 ; B. from N., -30. " 

Remarks. — No two of our Warblers more closely resemble each other than 
do immature examples of this and the preceding species. There is no differ- 
ence in the color of the upper parts, but castanea has the under parts tinged 
with delicate cream-buff, strongest on the flanks, while striata is distinctly 
yellowish below. 

Range. — " Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains, north to Green- 
land, the Barren Grounds, and Alaska, breeding from northern New England 
northward: south in winter to northern South America" (A. 0. U.). 

Washington, abundant T. V., May 1 to June 5 ; Sept. 5 to Oct. 20. Sin*', 
Sing, common T. V., May 7 to June ; Aug. 30 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, abun- 
dant T. V., May 12 to June 5; Sept. 8 to Oct. 15. 

Nest, of twigs, moss, rootlets, etc., lined with fine grasses and tendrils, gem 
erally in spruce trees, about six feet up. Eggs, four to live, white, more or 
less speckled and spotted, and generally heavily blotched at the larger end 
with cinnamon-, olive-, or rufous-brown, "70 x '54. 

Black-polls are rather more leisurely in their movements than most 
of their congeners. Adults should be identified without difficulty, but 
the immature birds, which are generally abundant in the fall, may oc- 
casion some trouble. Mr. Langille describes their song as one of the 



3(30 WOOD WARBLERS. 

most slender and wiry in all our forests, and as distinguishable as the 
hum of the cicada or the shrilling of the katydid. " Tree-tree-tree-lree- 
tree-tree-tree-tree, rapidly uttered, the monotonous notes of equal length, 
beginning very softly, gradually increasing to the middle of the strain, 
and then as gradually diminishing, thus forming a fine musical swell, 
may convey a fair idea of the song. There is a peculiar soft and 
tiniding sweetness in this melody, suggestive of the quiet mysteries of 
the forest, and sedative as an anodyne to the nerves." 

662. Dendroica blackburni® (Gmel.). Blackburnian War- 
bler. Ad. $ .—Center of the black crown, a line over the eye, patch behind 
the black ear-coverts, throat, and breast beautiful rich orange; back black, 
streaked with whitish ; wing-coverts white, forming a large white patch on 
the wing; inner vane of most of the tail-feathers almost entirely white, ex- 
cept at the tip; the outer vane of the outer feather white at the base; belly 
tinged with orange, sides streaked with black. Ad. 9 .—Kesembles the $ , 
but the orange markings are duller, the upper parts are ashy olive-green 
streaked with black and whitish ; the white on the wings ani tail is less ex- 
tensive. Im. 6 .— Kesembles the 9 , but has the orange markings dull yellow, 
the crown-patch nearly absent. Im. 9 .—Similar to the im. $ , but the yel- 
low markings much paler, nearly burly, the back browner. L., 5*25; W., 
2-71 ; T., 1-90 ; B. from N., -31. 

Remarks — In connection with other markings the large amount of white 
in the tail, appearing on even the outer vane of the outer feather, is charac- 
teristic of this species. 

Range. — Eastern North America: breeds from northern Minnesota and 
southern Maine northward to Labrador and southward along the Alleghanies 
to South Carolina ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, common T. V., May 5 to 20 ; Aug. 20 to Oct. 5. Sing Sing, 
common T. V., May 10 to 29; Aug. 15 to Oct, 15. Cambridge, uncommon 
T. V., May 12 to 22 ; Sept. 15 to 30. 

Nest, of line twigs and grasses, lined with grasses and tendrils, in conifer- 
ous trees, ten to forty feet up. Eggs, four, grayish white or bluish white, dis- 
tinctly and obscurely spotted, speckled, and blotched with cinnamon- brown 
or olive-brown, *GS x -50. 

The Blackburnian is uncommon enough to make us appreciate his 
unusual beauty. Coming in May, before the woods are fully clad, he 
seems like some bright-plumaged tropical bird who has lost his way 
and wandered to northern climes. The summer is passed among the 
higher branches in coniferous forests, and in the early fall the bird 
returns to surroundings which seem more in keeping with its attire. 

Mr. Minot describes its summer song as resembling the syllables 
ivee-see-wee-see-wee-see (wec-see-ick), while in the spring its notes may 
be likened to ivee-see-ivee-see, tsee-tsee, tsee, tsee, tsee-tsee, tsee, tsee, 
the latter syllables being on ascending scale, the very last shrill and 
line. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 3d 

663* Dendroica dominica (Linn.). Yellow-throated Warbler. 
Ad.— A yellow line in front of the eye and a white line over it ; upper parts 
gray, forehead blackish ; wings and tail edged with grayish, two white wing- 
bars; outer tail-feathers with white patches near their tips ; cheeks and sides 
of the throat black ; a white patch on the side of the neck ; throat and breast 
yellow, belly white, sides streaked with black. L., 5*25 ; W., 2*60; T., 2-01 ; 
B., -49. 

Range. — Southern United States; breeds as far north as Virginia; winters 
from Florida southward; accidental in New York and Massachusetts. 

Washington, rare S. R., rather common in late July ; may breed. 

jXest, of twigs, strips of bark, and Tillandsia " moss," lined with vege- 
table down, thirty to forty feet from the ground, in pines or live-oaks, some- 
times in a bunch of Tillandsia "moss." Eggs, four to five, white or grayish 
white, with numerous distinct and obscure cinnamon- or olive-brown mark- 
ings, sometimes evenly distributed, sometimes in a wreath at the larger end, 
•74 x -52. 

Some birds are so characteristic of certain places that wherever 
heard or seen they recall their accustomed haunts. I have only to re- 
member the song of the Yellow-throated Warbler to give form to a 
mental picture of some tree-bordered stream or bayou in the south. The 
song bears some resemblance to that of the Indigo Bunting, but has a 
wilder, more ringing quality. It is to some extent ventriloquial, and 
this in connection with the rather deliberate movements of the birds, 
and the fact that they resort to the upper branches, makes it some- 
times difficult to locate the singer. 

663a* D, d. albilora Ridgw. Sycamore Warbler. — Similar to the 
preceding, but with a smaller bill and the line in front of the eye white in- 
stead of yellow. W., 2-60 ; T., 2-00 ; B., -45. 

Range. — Breeds in the Mississippi Valley north to Kansas, southern In • 
diana, and southern Illinois ; east to western South Carolina; migrates south 
ward, chietiy along the west Gulf coast, to Mexico and Central America. 

" The Sycamore Warbler is a common summer resident in tht> bot- 
tom-lands [of Illinois], where, according to the writer's experience, it 
lives chiefly in the large sycamore trees along or near the water courses. 
On this account it is a difficult bird to obtain during the breeding 
season, the male usually keeping in the topmost branches of the tallest 
trees, out of gunshot and often, practically, out of sight, although its 
presence is betrayed by its loud, very unwarblerlike song" (Ridgway). 

667. Dendroica virens ( Gmel.). Black-throated Green War- 
bler. Ad. 8 . — Upper parts bright olive-green, back sometimes spotted with 
black ; line over the eye and cheeks bright yellow, ear-coverts dusky ; two 
white wing-bars; inner vanes of outer tail-feathers entirely white, outer web 
white at the base ; throat and breast black ; belly white, sometimes tinged 
with yellow; sides streaked with black. Ad. 9. — Similar, but the black of 



362 WOOD WARBLERS. 

throat and breast more or less mixed with yellowish. Im. — Similar to the 
9 , but with more yellow on the throat, the blaek sometimes being almost 
entirely hidden or wanting. L., 5-10 ; W., 2-46 ; T., 1-99 ; B. from N., -25. 

Remarks. — The bright yellow cheeks of this speeies, in connection with 
the large amount of white in the tail, will serve to distinguish it in any 
plumage. 

Jtiange. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Illinois and Con- 
necticut northward to Hudson Bay and southward along the Allcghanies to 
South Carolina; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 28 ; Aug. 28 to Oct, 21. 
Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 80 to June 3 ; Sept. 1 to Oct. 2C ; a few breed. 
Cambridge, very common S. E., May 1 to Oct. 15. 

JVest, of small twigs and moss, lined with rootlets, fine grasses, and ten- 
drils, in coniferous trees, fifteen to fifty feet from the ground. Eggs, four, 
white, distinctly and obscurely spotted and speckled with olive-brown or 
umber, chiefiy at the larger end, -05 x "46. 

When migrating this species joins the ranks of the Warbler army 
and visits wooded land of almost any kind. When nesting it prefers 
coniferous forests, where it is a dweller among the tree tops. 

While resembling its congeners in general habits, the song of the 
Black-throated Green is so unlike their generally humble ditties that 
the bird seems possessed of more character than they impress us with 
having. Mr. Burroughs graphically represents its notes by straight 

lines: V ; ^i novel method of musical annotation, but 

which nevertheless will aid one in recognizing the bird's song. There 
is a quality about it like the droning of bees; it seems to voice the 
restf ulncss of a midsummer day. 

Townsend's Warbler {668. Dsndrmca town&endi), a species of western 
North America, has been once recorded from Pennsylvania. 

670. Dendroica kirtlandi Baird. Kirtland's Warbler. Ad — 

Head bluish gray, sometimes spotted with black ; lores and sides of the throat 
black; back brownish ashy, spotted with black; no white wing-bars; outer 
tail-feathers with white patches on their inner webs at the tips; under parts 
pale yellow; sides streaked and spotted with black. L., 5*75 ; W., 2*75; T., 
2-80 ;*B. from N., -32. 

Range.— Migrates through southeastern United States and Mississippi 
Valley (South Carolina, Virginia, Missouri. Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illi- 
nois, Minnesota) ; summer home unknown; winters in the Bahamas. 

Washington, casual T. V., one record, Sept. 25, 1887. 

The dozen or more specimens of this rare Warbler which have been 
taken in the United States were captured in late April and May and 
late September and October. Six specimens have been recorded from 
Michigan, all taken in May, and it is possible these birds were en route 
to a nesting ground in the Hudson Bay region. It is not uncommon 
in winter in the Bahamas. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 363 

671. Dendroica vigorsii (And. ). Pine Warbler. (See Fig. 53,6). 
Ad. 6. — Upper parts bright olive-green, sometimes washed with ashy ; two 
whitish wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white patches on their inner 
vanes near the tip ; under parts bright yellow, more or less washed with ashy, 
turning to white on the lower belly and under tail-coverts ; sides sometimes 
with a few black streaks. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but upper parts brownish olive- 
green ; under parts soiled whitish ; breast tinged with yellow. L., 5*52; YV\, 
2-81; T., 2-25; B. from N., -33. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from Hayti (?), the Bahamas, 
and Florida north to Manitoba and Maine ; winters from southern Illinois and 
North Carolina southward. 

Washington, quite uncommon S. R., Mch. 25 to Oct. 25 ; abundant in fall. 
Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge, common S. R., Apl. 10 to Oct. 20. 

Nest, of strips of bark, leaves, plant libers, etc., in pines or cedars, thirty 
to fifty feet up. Eggs, four to five, white or grayish white, with numerous 
distinct and obscure cinnamon-brown to umber markings, chiefly in a wreath 
or band at the larger end, -70 x -52. 

True to its name, the Pine Warbler is rarely found outside of pine 
woods. In the south, where pineries may extend over half a State, it 
is an abundant and generally distributed bird ; in the more northern 
part of its range it is, from force of circumstances, a local species, 
occurring only with the pines. 

In the winter it is found in small flocks, which may contain a few 
Myrtle or Palm Warblers, and at this season it lives on or near the 
ground. In the summer it is more arboreal. Its habit of clinging to 
the trunk of a tree, or hopping, along a limb while searching for insects 
in crevices in the bark, has given it the misnomer of Pine Creeping 
Warbler. 

Its song is a clear, sweet trill. Southern birds, in my experience, 
have more musical voices, and their notes suggest those of the Field 
Sparrow, while the song of northern birds has more the quality of the 
Chipping Sparrow's. 

672. Dendroica palmarum (Gmel.). Palm Warbler; Red-poll 
Warbler. Ad. — Crown chestnut; back olive grayish brown, indistinctly 
streaked ; rump olive-green ; no wing-bars ; tail black, the outer feathers with 
white patches on their inner vanes at the tips ; a yellow line over the eye; 
throat and breast bright yellow; belly soiled whitish, tinged with yellow; 
sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with chestnut-rufous; under 
tail-coverts yellow. Ad. in winter and Im. — Crown-eap partly concealed by 
brownish tips to the feathers and sometimes wanting; line over the eye and 
eye-ring white ; under parts soiled whitish, more or less tinged with yellow ; 
breast streaked with dusky. L., 5-25 ; W., 2-64; T., 2-10 ; B. from N., '32. 

Range. — Breeds in the interior of British America north of Manitoba and 
west of Hudson Bay ; migrates southward through the Mississippi Valley and 
winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, West Indies, and Mexico; rare 
in the North Atlantic States. 



364 WOOD WARBLERS. 

Washington, rare T. V., Apl. 29 to May 18 ; Sept. Sing Sing, rare T. V., 
Apl. 29; Sept. 30 to Oct. 12. Cambridge, uncommon T. V., in fall, Sept. 25 
to Oct 10. 

This interior race of the Yellow Palm Warbler is occasionally met 
with in the North Atlantic States, while in Florida it is much more 
common than the eastern form. Sometimes the two birds may be seen 
in the same flock, when the brighter colors of hypochrysea are at once 
apparent. 

672a. D. p. hypochrysea Ridgw. Yellow Palm Warbler; 

Yellow Ked-poll. Ad. — Crown chestnut; back brownish olive-green; 
rump olive-green; no white wing-bars; secondaries sometimes tinged with 
chestnut; tail edged with olive-green, the outer feathers with white spots on 
their inner vanes near the tips ; line over the eye and eye-ring yellow ; under 
parts entirely bright yellow ; sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked 
with chestnut-rufous. Ad. in winter and Im. — Crown-cap partly concealed 
by the brownish tips to the feathers and sometimes wanting ; line over the 
eye and eye-ring yellowish / entire under parts uniform yellow, w r ashed with 
ashy ; the sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with chestnut- 
rufous or dusky. L., 5*43 ; W., 2-61 ; T., 2-10 ; B. from IS., -SI. 

Remarks. — In any plumage this bird may be distinguished from the pre- 
ceding species by its uniform yellow under parts. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from Nova Scotia northward east 
of Hudson Bay ; migrates southward through the Atlantic States, and winters 
in the Gulf States. 

Washington, common T. V., Mch. 28 to Apl. 29 ; Oct. Sing Sing, tolerably 
common T. V., Apl. 11 to May 5 ; Sept. 20 to Nov. 8. Cambridge, abundant 
T. V., Apl. 15 to May 5 ; Oct. 1 to 15. 

Nest, of rather coarse grasses lined with finer grasses, on or near the 
ground. Eggs, four to five, white or buffy white, with some distinct and ob- 
scure cinnamon- or olive-brown markings, chiefly at the larger end, -65 x *51. 

The Red-poll is a renegade Dendroica. He has no liking for the 
wood, and even trees in the open do not seem to attract him. His 
tastes bring him to fields and roadsides, where he lives on or near the 
ground, but is ever active and much on the move. During the winter 
in the south he is a common bird in the streets and gardens of towns, 
and like a Chippy hops familiarly about piazzas. 

He has the same nervous peculiarity which, irrespective of family, 
seems to affect some birds, and, as though life were a matter of beat- 
ing time, never ceases to wag his tail. His fine chip is recognizable 
after one has become familiar with it, while his song is described as a 
simple trill. 

673. Dendroica discolor ( Vieill.). Prairie Warbler. (Fig. 103.) 
Ad. 6.— Upper parts bright olive-green; back spotted with chestnut-rufous ; 
wing-bars yellowish ; outer tail-feathers with large white patches at their tips. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 365 

the outer vane of the outer feather white at the base; a yellow line over the 
eye ; lores and a crescent below the eye black ; under parts bright yellow ; 
sides heavily streaked with black. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with less, and some- 
times no chestnut-rufous in the back. Im— Upper parts uniform ashy olive- 
green ; no apparent wing-bars ; outer tail-feathers with white on their inner 
webs at the tips ; ear-coverts ashy ; under parts yellow ; sides indistinctly 
streaked with blackish. L., 4-75 ; W., 2*20 ; T., 1-95 ; B. from N., -28. 

Remarks. — The chestnut- rufous patch in the back at once identifies the 
adults; but the young are puzzling birds, to be known chiefly by their small 
size, absence of wing- bars and streaks on the sides. 

Range. — Eastern United States ; breeds from Florida to Michigan and 
Massachusetts; winters from southern Florida southward. 

Washington, very common S. R., A pi. 20 to Sept. Sing Sing, rare S. R., 
May 2 to Sept. 14. Cambridge, locally common S. R., May 8 to Sept. 15. 

Nest, of plant fibers and plant down, lined with rootlets and long hairs, in 
briary bushes. Eggs, four to five, wdiite, spotted distinctly and obscurely with 
cinnamon- or olive-brown, or chestnut, chiefly in a wreath at the larger end, 
•64 x -48. 

The Yellow, Palm, and Prairie Warblers are the three " Wood 
Warblers " that are rarely found in the woods. The latter, however, 
differs decidedly in habits from either of the former. It is a rather 
retiring inhabitant of scrubby clearings, bushy fields, and pastures, or 
thickets of young pines and cedars. But while the Prairie, if silent, 
might readily escape observation, no one with an ear for bird music 
will pass within sound of a singing bird without at least trying to 
solve the mystery of its peculiar notes, a series of six or seven quickly 
repeated zees, the next to the last one the highest. 

674. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.). Oven-bird ; Golden-crowned 
Thrush. (Fig. 104.) Ad. — Center of the crow r n pale rufous or ochraceous- 
butf, bordered on either side by black lines; rest of the upper parts, wings, 
and tail brownish olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches; under parts 
white ; the sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with black. L., 
6-17 ; W., 3-00 ; T., 2-15 ; B. from N., -35. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from Kansas and Virginia north- 
ward to Manitoba and Labrador, southward along the Alleghanies to South 
Carolina ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, very common S. R., Apl. 20 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common 
S. R., Apl. 27 to Oct. 10. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May 6 to Sept. 15. 

Nest, bulky, covered, the entrance at one side, of coarse grasses, weed 
stalks, leaves, and rootlets, on the ground. Eggs, four to five, white, speckled 
or spotted with cinnamon- or rufous -brown markings, sometimes finely dis- 
tributed, sometimes confluent about the larger end, -80 x -60. 

During the nesting season Oven-birds are among our commonest 
woodland birds. We hear them everywhere ; one singer scarcely ceases 
before another begins. But when the song period has passed how 



366 



WOOD WARBLERS. 





Fig. 102.— Black-poll Warbler. Fig. 106.— Maryland Yellow-throat. 




Fig. 103.— Prairie Warbler. 



Fig. 104.— Oven-bird. 





Fig. 107.— Wilson's Warbler. 




Fig. 108.— Hooded Warbler. 




Fig. 105.— Kentucky Warbler. Fig. 109.— Canadian Warbler. 

Figs. 102-109.— Heads of Warblers. (Natural size.) 




Louisiana Water-Thrush. 



WOOD WARBLERS. 367 

comparatively rare they become ! The reason is not hard to find. At 
most times the Oven-bird is somewhat of a recluse. He passes much 
of his time on or near the ground, generally where the w T oods are more 
or less undergrown. Only the practiced ear will detect his sharp, weak 
cheep. 

If there be such a thing as inspiration, I believe the Oven-bird sings 
under its influence. Not that his usual song is in the least remark- 
able, but because the bird is so obviously moved by a spirit which de- 
mands utterance. Watch him now as he is about to sing. Flying up 
from the ground, how cautiously he hops from branch to branch, and, 
with crest slightly erect, walks carefully along a limb, when, suddenly 
overcome by the music in his soul, he throws fear to the winds and 
lifts up his voice in a crescendo chant which vibrates through the 
woods. Teacher, teacher, teacher, TEACHER, TEACHER, Mr. 
Burroughs writes it, and the description is difficult to improve upon. 

The bird fairly quivers with the violence of his effort. The result 
seems inadequate ; we feel that he is striving for something better, 
and, in truth, as Mr. Bicknell says, he sometimes breaks the bonds 
that ordinarily beset his expression, and " bursts forth with a wild out- 
pouring of intricate and melodious song," the very force of which 
carries him up into the air among the tree tops. 

675. Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel). Water-Thrush. Ad — 

Upper parts, wings, and tail uniform olive; no wing-bars or tail-patches; a 
butf'y line over the eye ; under parts white, tinged with pale sulphur-yellow, 
and everywhere — including throat — streaked with black. L., 6*04 ; W., 2-99 ; 
T., 2-11 ; B. from N., -36. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from northern Illinois and north- 
ern New England northward ; winters from the Gulf States to northern South 
America. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 25; July 20 to Sept. Sing 
Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 11 to 21 ; July 28 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, 
very common T. V., May 8 to 25 ; Aug. 10 to Oct. 10. 

Nest, of moss, lined with tendrils and fine rootlets, in a mossy bank or 
under the roots of a fallen tree. Eggs, four to five, white or buffy white, with 
numerous cinnamon-brown markings, chiefly about the larger end, -76 x -59. 

In general habits this bird resembles its southern relative, the 
Louisiana Water-Thrush, but during its migrations it is frequently 
found some distance from water, and I have known birds spend sev- 
eral days beneath evergreen trees on a lawn a quarter of a mile from 
the woods. Jt is, too, much less shy than moiacilla, and one can gen- 
erally approach closely enough to take note of the characters which dis- 
tinguish it from that species— a smaller bill and yellower under parts. 

I have heard it sing only as a migrant, when its song lacked the 
wildness of that of S. motacilla. 



368 WOOD WARBLERS. 

675a. S. n. notabillH (Ridgw.), Grinnell's Water- Thrush.— Simi- 
lar to the preceding, but slightly larger, upper parts darker, under parts and 
line over the eye whiter. W., 3-10 ; T., 2-20 ; B. from N., -37. 

Range. — u United States, from Illinois westward to California, and north 
into British America"; eastward during the migrations to Virginia and the 
South Atlantic States, casually to New Jersey ; winters from the Gulf States 
to northern South America. 

Washington, casual, two instances, May. 

676. Seiurus motacilla ( VieilL). Louisiana Water-Thrush. Ad. 

— A conspicuous white line over the eye ; upper parts, wings, and tail olive • 
no wing-bars or tail-patches ; under parts white, tinged with cream-buff, espe- 
cially on the Hanks, and streaked with black, except on the throat and middle 
of the belly. L., 6*28; W., 3-23.; T., 2-14; B. from N., -40. 

Remarks. — Aside from its larger size, this bird may be known from the 
two preceding by the whiter, more conspicuous line over the eye, bully instead 
of yellowish tinge on the under parts, and absence of spots on the throat. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds as far north as Minnesota and 
Connecticut ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, rare S. E., Apl. 14 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing, common S. K., Apl. 
9 to Aug. 24. 

Nest, of leaves, twigs, and rootlets, under a bank or the upturned roots of 
a fallen tree. Eggs, four to six, white, evenly speckled or spotted, distinctly 
and obscurely, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, *75 x -60. 

Few birds are more particular in their choice of homes than the 
Water-Thrush. He lives where dashing brooks leap clown wooded 
hillsides, or, more rarely, where quieter streams flow through the low- 
land forests. He is a wild, shy bird, and his never-ceasing alertness 
suggests the watchfulness of the savage. Approach as quietly as you 
will, the Water-Thrush knows of your coming. With a tilting motion 
he walks on ahead, springs from rock to rock, or with a sharp, metallic 
chink of alarm takes wing and darts through the woods so low you 
scarcely get a glimpse of him. From a distant limb near the ground 
he watches you, constantly teetering his body as though even when 
resting he must find some outlet for his surplus nervous energy. 

As a songster the Water-Thrush is without a rival. His song is 
not to be compared with the clear-voiced carol of the Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak, the plaintive chant of the Field Sparrow, or the hymnlike 
melody of the true Thrushes; it is of a different kind. It is the un- 
tamable spirit of the bird rendered in music. There is an almost fierce 
wildness in its ringing notes. On rare occasions he is inspired to voice 
his passion in a flight-song, which so far exceeds his usual performance 
that even the memory of it is thrilling. 

677. Geothlypis formosa ( Wils.). Kentucky Warbler. &d. S .— 
(Fig. 105.) A yellow line from the bill passes over and around the back of 



WOOD WARBLERS. 369 

the eye; crown, region below the eye, and the side of the throat black ; rest 
of the upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches; 
under parts bright yellow. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the black areas more gray- 
ish and less clearly defined. L., 5-40 ; W., 2;60 ; T., 1-90 ; B. from N., -32. 

Range. — Eastern United States ; breeds from the Gulf States to Iowa and 
Connecticut; winters in Central America. 

Washington, not very uncommon S. R., May 3 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing, 
common S. K., May 2 to Aug. 27. 

Ne&t, bulky, of twigs and rootlets, firmly wrapped with several thicknesses 
of leaves, lined with fine rootlets, on or near the ground. Eggs, four to five, 
white or grayish white, finely and evenly speckled or coarsely blotched with 
rufous to umber, '72 x -58. 

The Kentucky Warbler frequents rather densely grown, well- 
watered woods. Here he may be found, on or near the ground, hop- 
ping from limb to limb or walking about searching for food. When 
singing, he generally mounts to the lower branches of the higher trees. 
His song is entirely unlike that of any other Warbler. It is a loud, 
clearly whistled performance of five, six, or seven notes — tur-dle, tur- 
dle, tur-dle — resembling in tone some of the calls of the Carolina Wren. 
Even in the woods it may be heard at a distance of about one hundred 
and fifty yards. 

In the height of the breeding season this Warbler is a most per- 
sistent singer. On one occasion, at Englewood, N. J., I watched a 
male for three hours. During this period, with the exception of five 
interruptions of less than forty-five seconds each, he sang with the 
greatest regularity once every twelve seconds. Thus, allowing for the 
brief intervals of silence, he sang about 875 times, or some 5,250 notes. 
1 found him singing, and when I departed he showed no signs of 
ceasing. 

678. Geothlypis agilis ( Wils.). Connecticut Warbler. Ad. 6 . 
—Head, neck, and breast bluish gray, lighter on the throat; crown in the fall 
tipped with olive-green ; eye-ring white; rest of upper parts, wings, and tail 
olive-green ; no wing-bars or tail-patches ; belly yellow ; sides washed with 
olive-^reen. Ad. 9 and Im— Similar to the 6 , but upper parts uniform olive- 
green ; throat and breast pale grayish brown ; belly pale yellow. L., 5-40 ; 
W., 2-90 ; T., 1*90 ; B. from N., -32. 

Range.— Eastern North America-; breeds, as far as known, in Manitoba: 
winters in northern South America. 

Washington, T. V., very rare in spring, late May : common from Aug. 28 
to Oct. 15. "sing Sing, rare T. V., Aug. 26 to Oct. 9. Cambridge, fall T. V., 
sometimes locally abundant, Sept. 10 to 30. 

Nest, of dry grasses, on the ground. Eggs, four, white, with a few spots of 
lilac-purple, brown, and black about the larger end, '75 x -60 (Thompson, 
Auk, i v 1384, p. 192). 

"-Connecticut Warbler " is an unfortunate misnomer for this spe- 
25 



370 WOOD WARBLERS. 

cies. " Swamp" or " Tamarac Warbler," or "Bog Black-throat," 
would have been much more truly descriptive. 

In the cold, boggy tamarac swamps of Manitoba, where I found it 
breeding, it was the only one of the family, and almost the only bird, 
w T hose voice broke the silence of those gray wastes. Its loud song was 
much like the "teacher, teacher" chant of the Oven-bird, but it also 
uttered another, which I can recall to mind by the aid of the syllables 
" free-chapple, free-chappie, free-chapple, whoit." 

The nest was placed on the ground, or, rather, in the moss which 
everywhere covered the ground to a depth of a foot or two, and was 
composed of fine vegetable fibers. 

This species has somewhat the manners of the Vireos_ but is much 
more active and sprightly in its movements. During the migrations 
it is generally found on or near the ground, in the undergrowth of 
low, damp woods, and also in bordering, weedy fields, where it some- 
times announces its presence by a sharp peek. Ernest E. Thompson. 

679. Geothlypis Philadelphia ( Wils.). Mourning Warbler. 
Ad. 6 . — Head, neck, and throat bluish gray, changing to black on the breast ; 
no white eye-ring ; rest of upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green ; no wing- 
bars or tail-patches; belly yellow. Ad. 9 and Im. — Similar, but upper parts 
olive-green, slightly grayer on the head ; breast grayish, throat whiter. L., 
5-63 ; W., 2-56 ; T., 2-13; B. from N., -32. 

Remarks. — This species bears a general resemblance to the preceding, but 
may always be distinguished from it by the absence of a white eye-ring. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from eastern Nebraska, northern 
New York, and Nova (Scotia northward, and southward along the Alleghanies 
to Pennsylvania; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, very rare T. V., May 15 to 30 ; Aug. Sing Sing, rare T. V., 
May 28 to 29 ; Aug. 18 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, rare T. V., May 22 to June 6 ; 
Sept. 12 to 30. 

Nest, of strips of bark and other fibrous materials, lined with hair, on or 
near the ground. Eggs, four, white, sprinkled with reddish dots near the 
larger end, -71 x -54 (Davie). 

The Mourning Warbler inhabits the undergrowth, choosing situ- 
ations not unlike those selected by the Maryland Yellow-throat. 

" Its common song consists of a simple, clear, warbling whistle, re- 
sembling the syllables Hriie, 'true, Hriie, 'tru, 'too, the voice rising on 
the first three syllables and falling on the last two. 

"Sometimes, when otherwise occupied, the first, or first two, syl- 
lables are omitted. All through the breeding season, and till late in 
July, they have a very characteristic habit of perching, at frequent in- 
tervals during the day, on some branch, generally a dead one, and 
commonly ten or fifteen feet from the ground, and singing for half an 
hour at a time " (Merriam, Birds of Connecticut, p. 24). 



WOOD WARBLERS. 371 

681. Geothlypis trichas (Linn.). Maryland Yellow-throat. 

(Fig. 106.) Ad. $ . — A broad band across the forehead, and on the cheeks and 
car-coverts black, bordered behind by grayish ; rest of the upper parts, wings, 
and tail olive-green, sometimes tinged with brownish ; no wing-bars or tail- 
patches; throat and breast bright yellow, changing to whitish on the belly; 
sides washed with brownish ; under tail-coverts yellow. Ad. $ in fall. — 
Similar, but browner above; black mask tipped with grayish; belly more 
yellow; sides browner. Im. 6 . — Similar, but the black mask more concealed, 
sometimes merely indicated by a dusky area. Ad. 9 . — No black mask ; up- 
per parts, wings, and tail olive-green, the forehead sometimes tinged with 
rufous ; throat and breast yellowish, changing to whitish on the belly ; under 
tail-coverts yellow ; sides brownish. L., 5-33 ; W., 2-20 ; T., 2*04; JB., -42. 

Mange. — Eastern North America, west to the Plains ; breeds from the Gulf 
States to Manitoba and Labrador : winters from the Gulf States southward. 

AYashington, abundant S. E., Apl. 18 to Oct. 20. Sing Sing, common 
S. K., Apl. 28 to Oct. 23. Cambridge, abundant S. K., May 5 to Oct. 20. 

Nest, bulky, of strips of bark, coarse grasses, and dead leaves, lined with 
line grasses, tendrils, and rootlets, on or near the ground. Eggs, three to live, 
white, rather thinly speckled and spotted with rufous to umber, chiefly — 
sometimes entirely — at the larger end, *70 x *53. 

One of the first acquaintances you will make, when you begin to 
look for birds, will be this black-masked inhabitant of thickets and 
bushes. Indeed, yon have only to pause near his home, when he 
will meet you halfway. He announces his coming by an impatient, 
quickly repeated chack, varying to chit, pit, quit, as, hopping from 
twig to twig, he finally appears for a moment and then darts back 
into the cover of his haunts. 

His song is characteristic of his active, nervous nature, and is de- 
livered with much force and energy. It varies greatly with locality, a 
fact which may account for the quite different descriptions given of 
it by authors. Sometimes it is written wichity, wichity, wichity, 
wichity ; again, rapity, rapiiy, etc. : but the birds near New York city 
seem to me to say 1 beseech you, I beseech you, 1 beseech you, I beseech 
you ; though, to be sure, the tone is far from pleading. 

They sing throughout the summer, and in August add a flight 
song to their repertoire. This is usually uttered toward evening, when 
the bird springs several feet into the air, hovers for a second, and then 
drops back to the bushes. 

681b. G. t. ignota CTiapm. Florida Yellow-throat; Palmetto 
Bird.— Similar to the preceding, but with longer tarsus, tail, and bill ; yellow 
of under parts of a deeper shade and of greater extent; flanks of a much 
darker color ; upper parts browner ; black mask wider, its ashy border (in 
summer specimens) slightly paler and of greater extent; first primary shorter, 
equaling the eighth instead of the sixth. W., 2'17 ; T., 2*18 ; B., 47. 

Range. — Florida and southern Georgia. 




372 WOOD WARBLERS. 

This southern representative of the Maryland Yellow-throat is 
usually found in dense growths of scrub palmetto. Its song is quite 
unlike that of the northern bird. 

683* Icteria virens (Linn.). Yellow-breasted Chat. Ad. — 

Largest of the Warblers; upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green ; line from 

the eye to the bill, one on the side of the throat, and eye-ring white; throat, 

breast, and upper belly bright yellow ; 

lower belly white; sides grayish. L., 

7-44 ; W., 3-00 ; T., 3-07 ; B. from N., -41. 

Range. — Eastern United States; 

breeds as far north as southern Minne- 

>'K/ V sota and Massachusetts ; and winters in 

W4f<'%* J 'il/ Central America. 

< -'/ ?y0-'f* Washington, common S. E., Apl. 29 

'' ^f /// to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. E., 

tt iia xr „ v. x * ™. i Apl. 28 to Aug. 29. Cambridge, rather 

Fig. HO.— Yellow-breasted Chat. r „ ,, & 1 c . ... & 

(Natural size.) rare S. E., May 15 to (?). 

Nest, rather bulky, of coarse grasses, 

leaves, and strips of bark well interwoven, lined with liner grasses, in a crotch 

near the ground. Eggs, three to five, white, rather evenly speckled and 

spotted with rufous-brown, -90 x -66. 

Bushy undergrowths or thickets in partial clearings form the 
home of the Chat. After an acquaintance of many years I frankly 
confess that his true character is a mystery to me. While listening to 
his strange medley and watching his peculiar actions, we are cer- 
tainly justified in calling him eccentric, but that there is method in 
his madness no one who studies him closely can doubt. 

Is the odd jumble of whistles, chucks, and caws uttered by one 
bird in that copse yonder, or by half a dozen different birds in as many 
places? Approach cautiously, and perhaps you may see him" in the 
air — a bunch of feathers twitched downward by the queer, jerky notes 
which animate it. One might suppose so peculiar a performance 
would occupy his entire attention, but nevertheless he has seen you ; 
in an instant his manner changes, and the happy-go-lucky clown, who 
a moment before was turning aerial somersaults, has become a shy, 
suspicious haunter of the depths of the thicket, whence will come his 
querulous chut, chut as long as your presence annoys him. 

684* Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.). Hooded Warbler. (Fig. 108.) 
Ad. 6. — Forehead and cheeks bright yellow; crown black, connected behind 
with the black throat; upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; outer tail- 
feathers with inner vane mostly white; breast and belly yellow; bill with 
evident bristles at its base. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but with the black on head 
and breast somewhat restricted and less sharply defined. Im. 6 . — Similar to 
ad. 6 , but the black feathers with yellow tips. Im. 9 . — Similar to ad. 9 , but 



WOOD WARBLERS. 373 

with no black on the head or breast. L., 5-67; W., 2-58; T., 2-30; B. from 
N., -31. 

Range. — Eastern United States ; breeds as far north as southern Michigan 
and southern Connecticut, and winters in Central America. 

Washington, rare T. V., may breed; May 1 to 30; Aug. 15 to Sept. 15. 
Sing Sing, rare S. R., to Sept. 1. 

Nest, of leaves, strips of bark, and rootlets, lined with fine grasses and 
rootlets, in the crotch of a bush or sapling, about four feet up. Eggs, four to 
live, white or creamy white, rather thinly speckled or spotted with rufous or 
rufous-brown, generally in a wreath at the larger end, '71 x -53. 

This beautiful bird is a lover of well-watered, rather densely grown 
woods. It is a bird of the lower growth rather than the trees, but is 
not a thicket-haunter, and its habit of flitting restlessly from bush to 
bush renders it easily observed. When on the wing its white outer 
tail-feathers are conspicuously displayed, and, with the striking mark- 
ings of the head, make an excellent field mark. 

The song of the Hooded Warbler is sweet and graceful. It is sub- 
ject to much variation, but as a rule consists of eight or nine notes. 
To my ear the bird seems to say, "You must come to the woods, or 
you won't see me." 

Its call-note is a sharp, characteristic cheep, frequently uttered when 
the bird is anxious for the safety of its nest or young, and accompanied 
by a flit of the tail, which reveals the white outer tail-feathers. 

685. Sylvania pusilla ( Wils.). Wilson's Warbler (Fig. 107'.) 
Ad. 6 . — Forehead yellow, crown black ; rest of the upper parts, wings, and 
tail bright olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches ; under parts bright yel- 
low ; bill with bristles at its base. Ad. $ . —Similar, but generally without 
the black cap. Im. — Similar, but without black cap. L., 5*00; W., 2*21 ; T., 
2-03 ; B. from N., -25. 

Range. — North x\merica; breeds from British Columbia, Minnesota, and 
Nova Scotia northward; winters in Central America. 

Washington, rather common T. V., May 8 to 23 ; Aug. 28 to Sept. 15. 
Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 9 to 30 ; Aug. 10 to Sept. 9. Cam- 
bridge, common T. V., May 12 to 25 ; Sept. 1 to 20. 

Nest, of leaves and grasses, lined with fine grasses and hairs, on the ground. 
Eggs, four to five, white, speckled with cinnamon- rufous and lavender-gray, 
•59 x -48 (Davie). 

The Black-cap frequents the lower woodland growth, and is gen- 
erally found near water. Like other members of this genus, it has 
decided talents as a flycatcher, and captures much of its prey on the 
wing, darting out into the air, but does not, like a true Flycatcher, 
return to the same perch. 

Its song is compared by Minot to that of the Redstart or Yellow 
Warbler, while Nuttall writes it " Hsh-'tsh-'tsh-Hshea" and to Goss it 
sounds like " zee-zee-zee-zee-e." 



374 WOOD WARBLERS. 

686. Sylvania canadensis {Linn.). Canadian Warbler. (Fig. 

109.) Ad. 6 . — Upper parts, wings, and lail gray ; no wing-bars or tail-patches ; 
crown spotted with black; line from the bill to the eye and under parts 
yellow ; sides of the neck black ; a necklace of black spots across the breast ; 
under tail-coverts white ; bill with evident bristle at its base. Ad. 9 and 
Im. — Similar, but with no black on the head or sides of the throat; necklace 
indicated by dusky spots. L., 5'61 ; W., 2'53 ; T., 2*23 ; B. from N., '31. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and 
Massachusetts to Manitoba and Labrador, and southward in Alleghanies to 
North Carolina; winters in tropics. 

Washington, very common T. V., May 5 to 27 ; Aug. 7 to Sept. 25. Sing 
Sing, common T. V., May 6 to June 2 ; Aug. 10 to Oct. 11. Cambridge, com- 
mon T. V., May 18 to 28 ; Sept. 1 to 20. 

Nest, of strips of bark, bits, of dead wood, and moss wrapped in leaves, and 
lined with line rootlets, in mossy banks or under roots. Eggs, four to live, 
white, speckled and spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with rufous or rufous- 
brown, '66 x "51. 

Although when associated with other migrating Warblers this bird 
may be found in woodland of varied character, it prefers low, wet 
woods, in which, like Wilson's Black-cap, it frequents the lower growth. 
Like that bird also it is an expert flycatcher. 

Its song is sweet, loud, and spirited. Thompson writes it " rup-it- 
che, rup-it-che, rup-it-chitt-it lit" 

687* Setophaga ruticilla {Linn.). American Redstart. (See 
Fig. 53, c.) Ad. 6 .—Upper parts, throat, and breast shining black ; basal half 
of the wing-feathers salmon, end half and wing-coverts black ; basal two 
thirds of all but the middle tail-feathers salmon, end third and middle feath- 
ers black; sides of the breast and flanks deep reddish salmon; belly white, 
tinged with salmon ; bill with prominent bristles at its base. Ad. 9 .—Salmon 
of the $ replaced by dull yellow ; head grayish ; back ashy, with a greenish 
tinge ; under parts, except where marked with yellow, white. Lm. — Resemble 
the 9 ; the 6 acquires his full plumage the third year, and the second year 
has the plumage mottled with black. L., 5-41; W., 2-57; T., 2-27; B. from 
N., -27. 

Range.— North America ; breeds from Kansas and North Carolina north 
to Labrador and Fort Simpson ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, very abundant T. V., Apl. 18 to May 28 ; Aug. 19 to Sept. 25 ; 
a few breed. Sing Sing, common S. R., May 1 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, very 
common S. R., May 5 to Sept. 20. 

Nest, of fine strips of bark, leaf stalks, and plant down, firmly interwoven, 
lined with tendrils and fine rootlets, in the crotch of a sapling, five to twenty 
feet up. Eggs, four to five, grayish white or bluish white, spotted and blotched, 
chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or olive-brown, -68 x -50. 

If this active, brilliantly colored inhabitant of woodlands was as 
rare as he is beautiful, we would consider a meeting with him an event 



WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. 375 

demanding at least a page in our journals. In Cuba most of our 
Wood Warblers are known simply as " Mariposas" — butterflies; but 
the Redstart's bright plumage has won for him the name " Candelita" 
— the little torch that flashes in the gloomy depths of tropical forests. 
Ching, ching, ckee ; ser-wee, swee, sivee-e-e he sings, and with wings 
and tail outspread whirls about, dancing from limb to limb, darting 
upward, floating downward, blown hither and thither like a leaf in the 
breeze. But the gnats dancing in the sunlight and the caterpillars 
feeding in the shade of the leaves know to their sorrow that his erratic 
course is guided by a purpose. 



Family Motacillid^e. Wagtails and Pipits. 

Only three of the sixty odd species in this family inhabit North 
America, and but one is found in the Eastern States. They are all 
terrestrial birds, and have been named from their habit of wagging 
their tails. 

697. Anthus pensilvanicus (Lath.). American Pipit: Titlark. 
(See Fig. 54.) Ad. — Upper parts dark brownish gray ; wings and tail fuscous ; 
wing-coverts tipped with whitish or buffy ; end half of outer tail-feather 
white, next one tipped with white ; a white or buffy line over the eye; under 
parts white or buffy, streaked with fuscous, except on the throat and middle 
of the belly ; hind toe-nail the longest, as long as or longer than its toe. L., 
6-38 ; W., 3-50 ; T., 2-69 ; B., -47. 

Range. — u North America at large, breeding in the higher parts of the 
Eocky Mountains and subarctic districts, and wintering in the Gulf States, 
Mexico, and Central America" (A. O. TL). 

Washington, W. V., sometimes abundant, Oct. 15 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing, 
common T. V., March 26 to (*): Sept. 24 to Nov. 16. Cambridge, T. V., 
abundant Sept. 20 to Nov. 10 ; less common Apl. 10 to May 20. 

Xest, of grasses, on the ground. Eggs, four to six, bluish white or grayish 
white, thickly and evenly speckled with cinnamon- or vinaceous-brown, 
•78 x -57. 

Large, open tracts in the vicinity of the coast are the localities in 
which Titlarks are most common, but they are also found in numbers 
in old fields, meadows, and pastures inland. A recently burned or 
newly plowed field is a good place in which to look for them. Once 
seen, there is little difficulty in identifying these graceful walkers, as 
they run on before you, or with constantly wagging tail await your 
approach. The individuals of a flock are generally scattered over a 
varying space while feeding, but when flushed they rise together and, 
with a soft dee-dee, dee-dee, mount high in the air as though bound 
for parts unknown, but often, after hovering above you for several 



376 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 

seconds in an undecided way, they will return to or near the place 
from which they rose. 

Their flight is light and airy, and in loose companies they undulate 
gently through the air without apparent effort, uttering their faint 
dee-dee as they fly. 

Sprague's Pipit (700. Anthus spragueii), a species of the Great Plains, has 
been once recorded from near Charleston, S. 0. (Wayne, Auk, xi, 1894, p. 80). 

The European White Wagtail (694. Motacilla alba) and European 
Meadow Pipit (698. Anthus jtratensis) have been recorded as of accidental 
occurrence in Greenland. 



Family Troglodytid^. Thrashers, Wrens, etc. 

Two quite different subfamilies are included under this head, the 
Thrashers and Mockingbirds, numbering some fifty species, and com- 
prising the subfamily Mimince, and the subfamily Troglodytince, which 
includes the one hundred and fifty known species of Wrens. The 
former is a distinctively American group, most numerously represented 
in the tropical and subtropical parts of the continent, only a dozen spe- 
cies reaching the United States. Generally speaking, they are inhab- 
itants of scrubby growths and bushy borders of woods. They are pos- 
sessed of remarkable vocal ability, and the Mockingbirds, of which 
there are sixteen species, are universally conceded first rank among 
cur song birds so far as powers of execution are concerned. 

The Wrens have a few representatives in the Old World, but by 
far the greater number inhabit America, where they are most abundant 
in the tropics. Wrens, as a rule, are thicket haunters. They are 
active, nervous, excitable birds, and most of the species have charac- 
teristic scolding notes with which they express displeasure or alarm. 
The majority are highly musical. 

key to the species. 

A. Wing over 3*50 ; tail without black bars. 

a. Back slate-color; cap black; under tail-coverts rufous-brown. 

704. Catbird. 

b. Back and crown grayish ; under parts whitish ; outer tail-feathers white. 

703. Mockingbird. 

c. Back rufous ; under parts spotted with black . 705. Brown Thrasher. 

B. Wing less than 3*00; tail with numerous small bars. 

a. Upper parts rufous, a long, conspicuous whitish line over the eye ; under 
parts cream- buff or ochraceous-buff'; wing 2-25 or over. 

718. Carolina Wren. 718a. Florida Wren. 

b. Upper parts uniform dark, reddish olive-brown; back without white 
streaks. 



THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 377 

b 1 . Under parts whitish ; primaries finely barred; no white line over the 

eye 721. House Wren. 7216. Western House Wren. 

b*. Under parts whitish ; primaries not barred ; a white line over the eye. 

719. Bewick's Wren. 
5 s . Under parts brownish, finely barred with black. 722. W inter Wren. 
c. Back with white streaks. 
c 1 . White streaks confined to the center of the back; a white line over 

the eye 725. Long-billed Marsh Wren and races. 

r 2 . Crown, back, and wing-coverts streaked with white. 

724. Short-billed Marsh Wren. 

703. Mimus polyglottos {Linn.). Mockingbird. Ad.— Upper parts 
ashy ; wings and tail fuscous ; basal half of the primaries white ; outer tail- 
feather white, next mostly white, third about half white ; under parts soiled 
white. L., 10-50 ; W., 4-50 ; T., 4-90 ; B., -70. 

Remarks. — The sexes can not be distinguished in color. 

Range. — Breeds from the Bahamas and Mexico to southern Illinois and 
northern New Jersey, and rarely to Massachusetts ; winters from Virginia 
southward. 

Washington, uncommon P. K., less numerous in winter. Cambridge, rare 
S. K, Mch. to Nov. 

Nest, of coarse twigs, weed stalks, etc., lined with rootlets, cotton, etc., in 
thickets, orange trees, etc. Eggs, four to six, pale greenish blue or bluish 
white, sometimes with a brownish tinge, rather heavily spotted and blotched, 
chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, 1-00 x *72. 

The Mockingbird might be called our national song-bird ; his re- 
markable vocal powers have made him famous the world over, while 
our more retiring Thrushes are scarcely to be found mentioned outside 
the literature of ornithology. He is a good citizen, and courting rather 
than shunning public life, shows an evident interest in the affairs of 
the day. He lives in our gardens, parks, and squares, and even in the 
streets of the town, and is always alert and on the qui vive ; a self- 
appointed guardian, whose sharp alarm note is passed from bird to 
bird like the signals of watchmen. 

In Florida, Mockingbirds begin to sing in February, and by March 
1 the air rings with music. The heat of midday is insufficient to quell 
their ardor, and on moonlight nights many birds sing throughout the 
night. 

It is customary to consider the Mockingbird a musician possessed 
of marvelous technique, but with comparatively little depth of feel- 
ing. He is said to create intense admiration without reaching the 
soul. But listen to him when the world is hushed, when the air is 
heavy with the rich fragrance of orange blossoms and the dewy leaves 
glisten in the moonlight, and if his song does not thrill you then con- 
fess yourself deaf to Nature's voices. 

Writers have compared the Mockingbird's song with that of other 



378 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 

renowned songsters — the Nightingale, for instance — but Dr. R. W. 
Shufeldt, writing in Prof. Newton's Dictionary of Birds, puts it very 
nicely when he says : " I believe, were he successfully introduced into 
those countries where the Nightingale flourishes, that princely per- 
former might some day wince as he was obliged to listen to his own 
most powerful strains poured forth with all their native purity by this 
king of feathered mockers. . . . " 

Nevertheless, it must not be supposed that every Mockingbird is a 
mocker ; there is much variation in their imitative gifts. Mr. L. M. 
Loomis tells me of a Mockingbird he once heard singing in South 
Carolina who imitated the notes of no less than thirty-two different 
species of birds found in the same locality, and this during ten min- 
utes' continuous singing ! This was a phenomenal performance, one I 
have never heard approached, for in my experience many Mockingbirds 
have no notes besides their own, and good mockers are exceptional. 

704* Galeoscoptes carolinensis {Linn.). Catbird. (See Fig. 
55, b.) Ad. — Crown and tail black ; under tail-coverts chestnut, sometimes 
spotted with slaty, and rarely largely slaty ; rest of the plumage slaty gray. 
L.,8-94; W., 3-54; T.,3-65: B., -60. 

Range. — North America; breeds in the eastern United States from the 
Gulf States to New Brunswick and northwestward to the Saskatchewan and 
British Columbia; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, abundant S. R., Apl. 20 to Oct.; occasionally winters. Sing 
Sing, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 25. Cambridge, abundant S. R., May 6 
to Sept. SO. 

JS'est, of twigs, grasses, and leaves, lined with rootlets, in thickets or 
densely foliaged trees. Eggs, three to five, rich greenish blue, -94 x -67. 

The Catbird is one of the most intelligent birds in North America. 
He is inclined to be very friendly to man, and where he is well treated 
and his confidence won he likes to nest near our homes, showing him- 
self delightfully familiar, coming around the door steps, answering 
one's calls and talk, and singing by the hour for our entertainment. 
In the garden and orchard he is as useful as he is enchanting, for he 
is an untiring devourer of insects, and his value in preserving our 
fruits can hardly be overrated. In this way he earns his full share of 
the fruit protected, and it should not be grudged to him when he pro- 
ceeds to take it, as he surely will. 

It is not generally known that the Catbird is a charming singer, 
for the reason, probably, that his song is rarely loud, and is preferably 
given from the depths of the thickest shrub he can find. One more 
often hears than sees him sing, and will miss even the hearing unless 
quite near, and gifted with a listening ear, ever open to bird notes. 

The Catbird mother is one of the most anxious and devoted. If 



THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 379 

her nest is discovered, she exhibits so much distress that one sympa- 
thetic to bird griefs has no heart to pursue investigations. 

The Catbird is generous and helpful to others of his kind in trouble 
of any sort, feeding and caring for deserted or orphaned young ones 
of any species, and always ready to aid distracted parents in the de- 
fense of their home and little ones. 

He is of a lively and restless temperament, entirely lacking the 
serene repose of his near relatives, the Thrushes. He is always toss- 
ing upward or spreading his tail, jerking his lithe body about, now 
crouching like a cat ready to spring, then straightening himself up 
very tall ; one moment puffing his feathers out till he looks like a 
ball, and the next holding them closely against his body. He is very 
playful, full of droll pranks and quaint performances. I know of 
no bird better worth cherishing and cultivating than the Catbird. 

Olive Thorxe Miller. 

705* Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.). Brown Thrasher; Brown 
Thrush. (See Fig. 55, a.) Ad. — Upper parts, wings, and tail rufous; wing- 
coverts tipped with whitish ; under parts white, heavily streaked with black, 
except on the throat and middle of the belly. L., 11*42 ; AV., 4*06 ; T., 5*03; 
B., -96. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Mani- 
toba, Maine, and Montreal: winters from Virginia southward. 

Washington, very common S. K., Apl. 5 to Oct. 15; occasionally winters. 
Sing Sing, common S. E., Apl. 22 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, very common S. R., 
Apl. 25 to Oct. 15. 

Nest, of twigs, coarse rootlets, and leaves, lined with liner rootlets, in 
bushes, thickets, or on the ground. Eggs, three to six, bluish white or grayish 
white, thickly, evenly, and minutely speckled with cinnamon- or rufous- 
brown, 1-08 x -80. 

Hedgerows, shrubbery about the borders of woods, scrubby growth, 
or thickets in dry fields, are alike frequented by the Thrasher. Gen- 
erally speaking he is an inhabitant of the undergrowth, where he passes 
much time on the ground foraging among the fallen leaves. He is an 
active, suspicious bird, who does not like to be watched, and expresses 
his annoyance with an unpleasant kissing note or sharply whistled 
wheeu. 

Like many thicket-haunting birds, who ordinarily shun observa- 
tion, he seeks an exposed position when singing. Morning and even- 
ing he mounts to a favorite perch — generally in the upper branches of 
a tree — and deliberately gives his entire attention to his song. This 
is repeated many times, the bird singing almost continuously for an 
extended interval. He is a finished musician, and, although his reper- 
toire is limited to one air, he rivals the Mockingbird in the richness 
of his tones and execution. I never listen to the Thrasher's song with- 



380 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 

out involuntarily exclaiming, " What a magnificent performance ! " 
Nevertheless, there is a certain consciousness and lack of spontaneity 
about it which makes it appeal to the mind rather than to the 
heart. 

718. Thryothorus ludovicianus (Z<^7*.). Carolina Wren. (See 
Fig. 55, c.) Ad. — Upper parts rufous-brown; feathers of the rump with con- 
cealed downy white spots; a long, conspicuous whitish line over the eye: 
wings and tail rufous-brown, finely barred with black ; under parts ochra- 
ceous-buif or cream-buff, whiter on the throat; flanks sometimes with a few 
blackish bars. L., 5-50 ; W., 2-30 ; T., 2-00 ; B., -60. 

Range. — Eastern United States ; breeds from the Gulf States to southern 
Iowa, northern Illinois, and southern Connecticut ; resident, except at the 
northern limit of its range. 

Washington, common P. R. 

Nest, bulky, of grasses, feathers, leaves, etc., lined with finer grasses, long 
hairs, etc., in holes in trees or stumps, nooks and crevices about buildings, 
etc. Eggs, four to six, white or creamy white, with numerous cinnamon-, 
rufous-brown, and lavender markings, sometimes wreathed about the larger 
end, *75 x -58. 

The cozy nooks and corners about the home of man which prove 
so attractive to the House Wren have no charms for this bird. His 
wild nature demands the freedom of the forests, and he shows no dis- 
position to adapt himself to new conditions. Undergrowths near 
water, fallen tree tops, brush heaps, and rocky places in the woods 
where he can dodge in and out and in a twinkling appear or disap- 
pear, like a feathered Jack-in-the-box, are the resorts he chooses. 

The nervous activity so characteristic of all Wrens reaches in him 
its highest development. Whatever he may be when alone, he is never 
at rest so long as he imagines himself observed. Now he is on this 
side of us, now on that : a moment later, on a stump before us, bob- 
bing up and down and gesticulating wildly with his expressive 
tail ; but as a rule he is seldom in sight more than a second at a 
time. 

Of course, so excitable a nature must find other than physical out- 
let for his irrepressible energy, and he accompanies his movements by 
more or less appropriate notes : scolding cacks, clinking, metallic rat- 
tles, musical trills, tree-toadlike Jcrrrings — in fact, he possesses an 
almost endless vocabulary. He is sometimes called Mocking Wren, 
but the hundreds of birds I have heard were all too original to borrow 
from others. In addition to his peculiar calls he possesses a variety of 
loud, ringing whistles, somewhat similar in tone to those of the Tufted 
Titmouse or Cardinal, and fully as loud as if not louder than the notes 
of the latter. The more common ones resemble the syllables whee-udel, 
whee-udel, whee-udel, and tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle. 









THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 381 

718a. T. 1. miamensis Ridgw. Florida Wren.— Similar to the 
preceding, but larger; upper parte darker; under parts more deeply colored. 
W.,2-46; T., 2-19; 13., To. 

Range. — Florida, from Pasco and Brevard Counties southward. 

719. Thryothorus bewickii {And.). Bewick's Wren. Ad.— 
Upper parts dark cinnamon-brown ; feathers of the rump with concealed, 
downy white spots; primaries not barred; central tail-feathers barred ; outer 
ones black, tipped with grayish; a white line over the eye; under parts 
grayish white; Hanks brownish. L., 5-00; W., 2-30; T., 2-10; B., -50. 

Range. — "Eastern United States, rare and local east of Alleghanies and 
north of 40°; west to edge of Great Plains; winters in more southern dis- 
tricts (Georgia to eastern Texas) " (Ridgw.). 

Washington, rare T. V., may winter, Apl. 4 to 22; Nov. 24 to Dec. 22. 

Nest) resembles that of T. a'edon ; location the same. Eggs, four to six, 
white, speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-b*rown, or lavender, evenly, or in a 
wreath at the larger end, -66 x -50. 

" No bird more deserves the protection of man than Bewick's 
Wren. He does not need man's encouragement, for he comes of his 
own accord and installs himself as a member of the community wher- 
ever it suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed and barn 
along with the Pewee and Barn Swallow ; he investigates the pig-sty, 
then explores the garden fence, and finally mounts to the roof and 
pours forth one of the sweetest songs that ever was heard. Not . . . 
like the House Wren's merry roundelay, but a fine, clear, bold song, 
uttered as the singer sits with head thrown back and long tail pend- 
ent — a song which may be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and in 
comparison with which the faint chant of the Song Sparrow sinks 
into insignificance. The ordinary note is a soft, low plit, uttered as 
the bird hops about, its long tail carried erect or even leaning for- 
ward, and jerked to one side at short intervals. In its movements it 
is altogether more deliberate than either T. ludovicianus or T. aedon y 
but nothing can excel it in quickness when it is pursued " (Ridgway). 

721. Troglodytes aedon Vieill. House Wren. Ad.— Upper 
parts cinnamon olive-brown, more rufous on the rump and tail ; back gener- 
ally with indistinct bars ; feathers of the rump with concealed, downy white 
spots ; wings and tail finely barred ; under parts whitish, sides or flanks with 
numerous blackish bars. L., 5*00 ; W., 1-97 ; T., VII ; B., -50. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds as far north as Manitoba, Mont- 
real, and Maine : and winters from South Carolina southward. 

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 15 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. E., 
Apl. 23 to Oct. 14. Cambridge, locally common S. R., May 1 to Sept. 25. 

Nest, of twigs lined with grasses, generally filling the hole in a tree, bird- 
box, crevice, etc., in which it is placed. Eggs, six to eight, vinaceous, uni- 
form, or minutely speckled, with generally a wreath of a deeper shade at the 
larger end, *65 x -51. 



382 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 

It has been claimed that the name House Wren is a misnomer, be- 
cause in the south during the winter these birds are found in the for- 
ests miles from the nearest habitation. This, however, is owing to 
circumstances over which the House Wren has no control. He is just 
as much of a House Wren in the south as he is in the north ; you will 
find a pair in possession of every suitable dwelling. The difficulty is 
that in the winter there are more House Wrens than there are houses, 
and, being of a somewhat irritable disposition, the House Wren will 
not share his quarters with others of his kind. Late comers, there- 
fore, who can not get a snug nook about a house or outbuilding, are 
forced to resort to the woods. 

In the summer, when they are spread over a much greater area, 
House Wrens are very particular in their choice of haunts, and for 
this reason are locally distributed. Having selected a nesting site, 
they become much attached to it, and return to the same place year 
after year. It may be a bird-box, a crevice in a building, a hollow in 
an apple tree, or hole in a fence rail ; wherever it is, it is theirs, and 
they will fight for it against all comers. 

The song of the House Wren is delivered with characteristic en- 
ergy — a sudden outpouring of music which completely dominates the 
singer, who with raised head and drooped tail trembles with the vio- 
lence of his effort. 

721b. T. a. aztecus (Baird). Western House Wren. — Similar to 
the preceding, but upper parts lighter and less rufous, the back and rump 
generally distinctly barred with blackish. 

Range. — Interior of North America, east to the Mississippi Valley ; Min- 
nesota, Illinois. 

722. Troglodytes hiemalis Vieill. Winter Wren. Ad. — Upper 
parts dark cinnamon-brown; feathers of the rump with concealed, downy 
white spots ; wings and tail barred ; under parts washed with, pale cinnamon- 
brown, the lower breast, sides, and belly more or less heavily barred with 
black. L., 4-00; W., 1-80; T., 1'24; B., -35. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the "Northern States north- 
ward, and southward along the Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from 
Massachusetts and Illinois to Florida. 

Washington, rather common W. V., Sept. 25 to May 1. Sing Sing, tolera- 
bly common W. V., Sept. 18 to Apl. 27. Cambridge, T. V., rather common, 
Sept. 20 to Nov. 25 ; rare, Apl. 10 to May 1 : a very few winter. 

Nest, of small twigs and moss, lined with feathers, in the roots of a tree, 
brush-heap, or similar place. " Eggs, five to seven, white or creamy white, 
finely but rather sparingly speckled with reddish brown, sometimes nearly 
immaculate, -09 x -50" (Ridgw.). 

When looking for a Winter Wren during the fall migration I go 
to an old raspberry patch, and in the woods watch the stumps and 



THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 3S3 

fallen trees. In the shadow of the woods it is easy to overlook the 
small dark bird creeping under a log or clambering over an old stump. 
But often, when sitting alone in the deserted patch, my heart has been 
warmed by the sudden apparition of the plump little Wren atilt of a 
dry golden-rod stalk close beside me, his tail standing straight over 
his back and his head cocked on one side. He would bow to me with 
a droll bobbing motion, but his hearty quip-qua]) and the frank look 
of interest in his bright eyes showed that he was quite ready to make 
friends. Many a dull morning has been gladdened by such an en- 
counter. 

Perhaps my choicest memories, however, are of a Wren who left 
his usual home in the dark coniferous forest for our brighter wood- 
lands of maple and beech. lie built his nest in an upturned root on 
the edge of a bit of marshy land, helping himself to some feathers the 
Scarlet Tanager had left at his bath in the swamp behind. 

I had never before had a chance to listen to his famous song, and 
it was the event of the summer in the woods. Full of trills, runs, and 
grace notes, it was a tinkling, rippling roundelay. It made me think 
of the song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the volume and ringing 
quality of both being startling from birds of their size. But while 
the Kinglet's may be less hampered by considerations of tune, the 
Wren's song has a more appealing human character. It is like the bird 
himself. The dark swamps are made glad by the joyous, wonderful 
song. Florence A. Merriam. 

724. Cistothorus stellaris (Licht.). Short-billed Marsh Wrfn. 
Ad. — Entire upper parts streaked with white, black, and ochraceous-buff; 
wings and tail barred ; under parts white, washed 
with ochraceous-buff on the breast, sides, and 
under tail-coverts. L., 4*00; W., 1-75; T., 1*41; 
B., 42. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds as far 
north as Manitoba and Massachusetts ; winters 
from the Gulf States southward. 

Washington, very rare T. V., two instances. Fig. 111. —Short-billed 
at o- %• ' u e> 4. r\ 4- ia n Marsh Wren. (Natu- 

May. Sing Sing, rare S. K., to Oct. 16. Cam- ral size.) 

bridge, locally common S. R., May 15 to Oct. 1. 

Nest, globular, the entrance on one side, of grasses, lined with plant down, 

on or near the ground, in a tussock of tall grass. Eggs, six to eight, pure 

white, rarely with a few lavender spots, -62 x -47. 

This bustling, energetic little creature will much more often be 
heard than seen. Its ordinary call-note, like the sound of two pebbles 
struck together, may be heard in a dozen directions for a quarter of 
an hour before one of the birds comes in view, so careful are they to 
keep concealed among the protecting sedge. The ordinary song of 




384 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 

the species has much the same timbre as the call-note ; it resembles the 

syllables chap chap — chap-chap, chap chap- chap- chap-p-p-rrrr ; 

but during the height of the love season it vents its feelings in a much 
more ambitious refrain, one which, while it is everywhere varied and in 
parts very musical, is still conspicuous for the amount of chappering 
that enters into its composition. While singing, it is usually seen 
clinging to the side of some tall swaying reed with its tail bent for- 
ward so far as almost to touch the head, thus exhibiting in an exag- 
gerated manner a characteristic attitude of all the Wrens. 

This is less a species of the deep-water marshes than is the long- 
billed member of the genus, and often it will be found in places 
that are little more than damp meadows. It is remarkably mouselike 
in its habits and movements, and can be flushed only with extreme 
difficulty. Ernest E. Thompson. 

725. Cistothorus palustris ( Wils.). Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
Ad. — Crown olive-brown, blacker on the sides, a white line over the eye ; 

back black, streaked with white ; rump cin- 
namon-brown ; wings and tail barred ; un- 
der parts white ; sides washed with grayish 
brown. L., 5-20; W., 1-95; T., 1*68; B., -52. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds 
from the Gulf States to Manitoba and Massa- 
chusetts ; winters from the Gulf States, and 

Fig. 112.-Lon&-billed Marsh loca11 ^ farther north ' southward to Mexico. 
Wren. (Natural size.) Washington, very numerous S. R., Apl. 

30 to Oct. 30. Sing Sing, common S. R., 
May 10 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, locally abundant S. R., May 15 to Oct.; 
sometimes a few winter. 

Nest, globular, the entrance at one side, of coarse grasses, reed stalks, etc., 
lined wtth fine grasses, attached to reeds or bushes. Eggs, live to nine, uni- 
form, minutely speckled or thickly marked with cinnamon- or olive-brown, 
•65 x -49. 

If you would make the acquaintance of this Marsh Wren, you have 
only to visit his home in the cat-tails and tall, reedy grasses bordering 
rivers, creeks, and sloughs. It will be unnecessary to announce your- 
self; he will know of your presence long before you know of his, and 
from the inner chambers of his dwelling will proceed certain scolding, 
caching notes before this nervous, excitable bit of feathered life ap- 
pears on his threshold. With many flourishes of the tail and much 
bobbing and attitudinizing, he inquires your business, but before you 
have had time enough to inspect him he has darted back into his 
damp retreats, and you can tell of his frequently changing position 
only by his scolding, grumbling notes. 

All this time his neighbors— and he generally has numbers of 




i 



CREEPERS. 385 

them — have doubtless been charming you with their rippling, bub- 
bling, gurgling song. It is quite beyond their control; they seem 
filled to overflowing with an inexhaustible supply of music. Some- 
times, like a mine of melody, it explodes within them and lifts them 
from the dark recesses of the flags up into the air above. 

725b. C. p. griseus Brewst. Worthington's Marsh Wren.— 
" Black of upper parts much duller and less extended than in palustris, usu- 
ally conlined to the extreme sides of the crown and a short, narrow area in 
the middle of the back, and in extreme specimens almost wholly absent. 
Brown of sides, flanks, and upper parte pale and grayish. Dark markings of 
the under tail-coverts, flanks, sides, and breast faint, confused, and incon- 
spicuous, sometimes practically wanting." W., 1-80 ; T., 1*53 ; B., -50 (Brew- 
Bter, Auk, x, 1893, p. 218). 

Range, — Coast of South Carolina and Georgia. 

725.1. C. p. marianse {Scott), Marian's Marsh Wren.— Similar 
to C.palustris^ but with the upper parts darker, the sides and flanks of about 
the same color as the rump; the under tail-coverts, and sometimes the breast, 
barred or spotted with black. W., 1-85 ; T., 1*75; B., -52. 

Range.— Gulf coast of Florida, and probably westward to Louisiana. 

Family Certhudje. Creepers. 

This is an Old- World family, numbering about twelve species, of 
which only one is found in America. Our bird and its several races 
belong to the northern group containing the species witli stiffened 
tails. It is a true tree-creeper, and, like a Woodpecker, uses its tail 
as a prop in climbing. 

726. Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.). Brown Creeper. 
(See Fig. 56.) Ad. — Upper parts mixed white, fuscous, and ochraceous-buff ; 
rump pale rufous ; wings with a band of cream-buff; tail pale grayish 
brown, the feathers stiffened and sharply pointed; under parts white; bill 
slightly curved. L.. 5-66 ; W., 2-56 ; T., 2 k 65; B., -63. 

Range. — Eastern North America ; breeds from Minnesota and Maine north- 
ward, and southward in Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from Canada 
to Gulf States. 

Washington, common W. V., Sept. 25 to Apl. 25. Sine Sine, tolerably 
common W. V., Sept. 20 to May 7. Cambridge, common T. V., rather com- 
mon W. V., Sept. 25 to May 1. 

Nest, of twig'?, strips of bark, bits of dead wood, moss, etc., placed behind 
the loose bark of a tree. Eggs, live to eight, white, spotted and speckled 
with cinnamon- or rufous-brown and lavender, chiefly in a wreath at the 
larger end, -62 x -47 (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, p. 199). 

The facts in the case will doubtless show that the patient, plod- 
ding Brown Creeper is searching for the insects, eggs, and larvae which 
are hidden in crevices in the bark ; but after watching him for several 
minutes one becomes impressed with the thought that he has lost the 
26 



386 NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 

only thing in the world he ever cared for, and that his one object in 
life is to find it. Ignoring you completely, with scarcely a pause, he 
winds his way in a preoccupied, near-sighted manner up a tree trunk. 
Having finally reached the top of his spiral staircase, one might sup- 
pose he would rest long enough to survey his surroundings, but like a 
bit of loosened bark he drops off to the base of the nearest tree and 
resumes his never-ending task. 

He has no time to waste in words, but occasionally, without stop- 
ping in his rounds, he utters a few sweeping, squeaky notes, which 
are about as likely to attract attention as he is himself. As for song, 
one would say it was quite out of the question ; but Mr. Brewster,* in 
his biography of this bird, tells us that in its summer home, amid 
the northern spruces and firs, it has an exquisitely pure, tender song 
of four notes, " the first of moderate pitch, the second lower and less 
emphatic, the third rising again, and the last abruptly falling, but 
dying away in an indescribably plaintive cadence, like the soft sigh of 
the wind among the pine boughs. " 

Family Paridje. Nuthatches and Tits. 

Two well-marked subfamilies are included here, the Siftince, or 
Nuthatches, and Parince, or Chickadees. They are distributed through- 
out the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. About twenty 
species of Nuthatches are known, of which four are American. They 
are all climbers, but, unlike the Woodpeckers and Creepers, climb 
downward as well as upward, and do not use their tails as a support. 
Their name is derived from their habit of wedging nuts (with our 
species, usually beechnuts) in a crevice in the bark and then hatching 
them by repeated strokes with their bill. 

The subfamily Parince contains some seventy-five species, of which 
no less than fifty, including the thirteen North American species, be- 
long in the genus Pants. Both our Nuthatches and Chickadees are 
migratory at the northern parts of their range. After the migration 
they are generally found in small groups, composed probably of the 
members of a family, which wander through the woods within certain 
definite limits. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Throat black. 

a. Crown brown: sides chestnut 740. Hudsonian Chickadee. 

b. Crown black ; outer margin of greater wing-coverts distinctly whitish ; 
wing generally over 2*50 735. Chickadee. 

c. Crown black; greater wing-coverts without white margins; wing under 
2-50 736. Cakolina Chickadee. 

* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, pp. 199-209. 






NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 387 

B. Throat not black. 

a. Under parts more or less washed with rufous; a black or gray streak 
through the eye 728. Red-breasted Nuthatch. 

b. Under parts white or whitish ; under tail-coverts more or less rufous ; tail 
with white spots. 

727. White-breasted Nuthatch. 721b. Florida Nuthatch. 

c. Under parts white or whitish ; flanks with rufous ; no white in the tail ; 
head crested 731. Tufted Titmouse. 

d. Whole top of the head brown .... 729. Brown-headed Nuthatch. 

727* Sitta carolinensis Lath. White-breasted Nuthatch. Ad. 
6 . — Top of the head and front part of the back shining black; rest of the 
upper parts bluish gray ; inner secondaries bluish gray, marked with black ; 
wing-coverts and quills tipped with whitish ; outer tail-feathers black, with 
white patches near their tips ; middle ones bluish gray ; sides of the head and 
under parts white ; lower belly and under tail-coverts mixed with rufous. 
Ad. 9 . — Similar, but the black of the head and back veiled by bluish gray. 
L., 6-07; W., 3-48; T., 1-92; B., -76. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Minne- 
sota and New Brunswick ; generally resident throughout its range. 

Washington, common T. V. and W. V., less common S. K. Sing Sing, 
common P. R. Cambridge, P. R., rare in summer, uncommon in winter, com- 
mon in migrations ; most numerous in Oct. and Nov. 

Nest, of feathers, leaves, etc., in a hole in a tree or stump. Eggs, five to 
eight, w 7 hite or creamy w r hite, thickly and rather evenly spotted and speckled 
with rufous and lavender, "75 x -57. 

When the cares of a family devolve upon him, the Nuthatch 
eschews all society and rarely ventures far from his forest home. But 
in the winter I believe even the birds are affected by the oppressive 
loneliness ; the strangers of summer become for a time boon compan- 
ions, and we find Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees, and Nuthatches 
wandering about the woods or visiting the orchards on apparently the 
best of terms. 

Few birds are easier to identify: the Woodpecker pecks, the 
Chickadee calls " chickadee" while the Nuthatch, running up and 
down the tree trunks, assumes attitudes no bird outside his family 
would think of attempting. His powers of speech are in no wise 
disturbed by his often inverted position, and he accompanies his 
erratic clamberings by a conversational twitter or occasionally a loud, 
nasal yank, yank, which frequently tells us of his presence before we 
see him. 

He is not too absorbed in his business to have a mild interest in 
yours, and he may pause a moment to look you over in a calm kind of 
way, which somehow makes one feel that perhaps, after all, Nuthatches 
are of as much importance as we. But his curiosity is soon satisfied; 
affairs are evidently pressing, and with a yank, yank, he resumes his 



3S8 



NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 



search for certain tidbits in the shape o( grubs or insects' eggs hidden 

in t ho bark. 

There is such a lack of sentiment in the Nuthatch's character, he 
seems so matter-of-fact in all his ways, that it is difficult to imagine 
him indulging in anything like song. But oven he can not withstand 
the 'all-conquering influences of spring, and at that season he raises 
his voice in a peculiar monotone— a tenor Iiah-hah-hah-hah-hah — 
sounding Strangely like mirthless laughter. 

727b. S. c. atkinsi Scott. Florida White breasted Nuthatch, — 

Similar to the preceding) but somewhat smaller, the wing-coverts and quills 
hut slightly or not at all tipped with whitish, the v with the top of the head 
and nape black, as in the S, W., 8*32; T., L*80; B., -To. 

Rang**— Florida, northward o\\ the Atlantic coast to southern South Caro- 
lina. 

728. Sitta canadensis Linn. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ad. <$. — 
Top of the head and a wide strip* through the eye to the nape shining black ; 

a white line over the eye; upper parts 

bluish gray ; no black marks on the 

secondaries; outer tail-feathers black, 

with white patches near their tips; 

middle ones hluish gray ; throat white; 

rest of the under parts ochraceovs-bttff or ?'t/r'ott,<. 

.!,/. V . Similar, hut the top of the head and stripe 

through the eve hluish gray, like the back; under 

parts paler. 1.., He': W M 2'66; T., L«58 ; B., '60, 

Range. North America; breeds from Mani- 
toba and Maine northward, and southward along 
the Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from about the southern limit of 

it> breeding range to the Gulf States. 

Washington, irregularly abundant W. V., sometimes rare, Sept. i"^ to May 
10. Sing Sing, irregular W, v.. A.ug, B to May s. Cambridge, irregular T. V. 

and W. \\. Sept 16 to Nov. 36; Nov. 26 to Apt. l,or rarely May 6. 

V v"\ y"( grasses, in a hole in a tree or stump. Egos, four to six, white or 
creamy white, speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-brown, and lavender, -f.o \ '47. 
While resembling the White-breasted Nuthatch, this more northern 
species differs from it sufficiently both in notes and appearance to ho 
easily distinguished. Its black face-stripe is a noticeable character, 
while to the trained ear its higher, finer, more nasal, slightly drawled 
yna, yna is quite unlike the White-breast's vigorous yank, yank* The 
Red-breasi has an evident partiality for pine trees, and may he seen 
hovering about the cones while looking fora foothold from which to 
extract their seeds, 

729. Sitta pusilla (Zatk). Brow* headed Nuthatch. .!</. — Top 
and back of the head dark grayish brown ; a whitish patch on the napt ; no 




Fia 118, Red-breasted 

Nuthatch. (Natural size.) 



NUTIIATCIIKS AND TITS; 



389 



white over the eye ; rest of upper parts bluish gray ; outer tail-feathers black, 
tipped with grayish, middle ones bluish gray; under parts grayish white. 
L.,4-50; W., 2-60; T.,1-25; P>., -52. 

Range. South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Virginia; accidentally 
to Missouri and New York. 

Nest, of feathers, grasses, etc., generally near the ground, in a hole in a tree 
or stump. Eggs, five to six, white or creamy white, heavily spotted or blotched 
with cinnamon- or olive-brown, -50 x -40. 

This little Nuthatch, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and Pine 
Warbler, are characteristic birds of the great pineries in our Southern 
States. Frequently they are found associated. The Woodpeckers 
generally keep to the tree tops, the Warblers live on or near the ground, 
while the Nuthatches scramble actively about from the base of the 
trunk to the terminal twigs. The only note I have heard them ntter 
is a conversational tnee, tnee. They are talkative sprites, and, like a 
group of school children, each one chatters away without paying the 
slightest attention to what his companions are saying. 

731. Parus bicolor (Linn.). Tufted Titmouse. Ad.— Forehead 
black; rest of the upper parts, wings, and tail gray; under parts whitish; 
sides washed with rufous; a conspicu- 
ous crest. L., 6*00; W., 3-10; T., 2-70; 
B., -42. 

Riiuge. — Eastern United States; 
breeds from the Gulf States to southern 
Iowa and northern New Jersey; resi- 
dent throughout its breeding range. 

Washington, very common P. K., 
more so in winter. 

Nest, of leaves, moss, strips of bark, 
feathers, etc.. in Woodpeckers' deserted 
holes, stumps, etc. Eggs, five to eight, 
wliite or creamy wliite, rather coarsely 

and evenly marked with rufous-brown, Fig. 114.— Tufted Titmouse. (Natural 
•71 x -55. 




size.) 



The Tufted Titmouse is a bird of very general distribution in wood- 
lands, where its presence is always made known by its notes. Its com- 
mon call is a loud, clearly whistled peto, peto, peto, peto, which may be 
repeated by the same individual for hours at a time. Occasionally the 
key is changed, and at first the notes are decidedly pleasing, but the 
bird finally wearies one by its monotonous repetition. 

It utters also other whistled calls, and a de-de-de-de, much like the 
notes of the Chickadee, though somewhat louder and hoarser. 

The Tufted Tit is not a shy bird and may be approached with ease. 
Its conspicuous crest is an excellent field mark. 



390 NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 

735* Paras atricapillus (Linn.). Chickadee. (See Fig. 57, b.) 
Ad. — Top of the head, nape, and throat shining black ; sides of the head and 
neck white ; back ashy ; outer vanes of greater wing-coverts distinctly mar- 
gined with white; wing and tail-feathers margined with whitish; breast 
white; belly and sides washed with cream-butt. L., 5*27; W., 2*53; T., 2-43; 
B., 37. 

Mange. — Eastern North America ; breeds from southern Illinois and Penn- 
sylvania northward to Labrador, and southward along the Alleghanies to 
North Carolina; in winter migrates a short distance below the southern limit 
of its breeding range. 

Washington, rare and irregular W. V., Dec. to A pi. 15. Sing Sing, toler- 
ably common P. R. Cambridge, very common P. R., more numerous in fall 
and winter. 

JVest, of moss, grasses, feathers, and plant down, in old stumps, holes in 
trees, etc., not more than fifteen feet up. Eggs, live to eight, white, spotted 
and speckled, chielly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, 
•60 x -48. 

When most birds were strangers to me, I remember thinking what 
a blessing it would be if every one spoke his name as plainly as does 
this animated bunch of black and white feathers. No need of a text- 
book to discover his name ; with winning confidence he introduced 
himself, and probably for this reason he has always been my best 
friend among birds. I never £ m0m +1 +. +. 

hear his voice in the woods p — L \~ZZ 



without - answering him : 
Soon he comes to me, mildly inquisitive at first, looking about for the 
friend or foe whose call has attracted him. In an unconcerned way 
he hops from limb to limb, whistling softly the while, picking an in- 
sect's egg from beneath a leaf here or larva from a crevice in the bark 
there, all the time performing acrobatic feats of which an accom- 
plished gymnast might be proud. Finally his curiosity becomes 
aroused, he ceases feeding, and gives his entire attention to the dis- 
covery of the bird who so regularly replies to him. Hopping down to 
a limb within three feet of my head, he regards me with puzzled in- 
lent noss; his little black eyes twinkle with intelligence, he changes 
his call, and questions me with a series of chicJc-a-dees, liquid gurgles, 
and odd chuckling notes which it is beyond my power to answer, and 
finally, becoming discouraged, he refuses to renew our whistled con- 
versation and retreats to the woods. 

On two occasions Chickadees have flown down and perched upon 
my hand. During the few seconds they remained there I became rigid 
with the emotion of this novel experience. It was a mark of con- 
fidence which seemed to initiate me into the ranks of woodland 
dwellers. 



KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS. 391 

736. Parus carolinensis Aud. Carolina Chickadee. — Similar to 
the preceding species, but smaller; greater wing-coverts &#£ margined with 
whitish; wing and tail-feathers with less white on their outer vanes. L., 
406 4-75; W., 2-20-2-48; T., 1-88-2-12; B., -30--32. 

Range. — Southeastern United States, north to middle New Jersey and 
Illinois; resident from southern New Jersey southward. 

Washington, very common P. R., particularly in winter. 

Nest, of grasses, line strips of bark, feathers, hair, etc., in holes in trees, 
stumps, etc. Eggs f fiwe, to eight, similar in color to those of P. atricapillus. 

My experience with this southern Chickadee has been confined 
largely to Florida. There I found it a comparatively shy bird, with 
notes quite unlike those of P. atricapillus. Instead of the two clear 
whistles which atricapillus in New Jersey utters, the Florida bird re- 
peats four rather tremulous notes, and there is also a substantial differ- 
ence in its other calls, one of which resembles the words my watcher 
key, my watcher key. 

Mr. C. W. Richmond writes me that at Washington the chick-a-dee 
call of carolinensis is higher pitched and more hurriedly given than 
that of atricapillus, and that the whistle consists of three notes. 

Writing from the mountains of North Carolina, where both spe- 
cies occur together, Mr. Brewster says : " In one place a male of each 
species was singing in the same tree, the low, plaintive tswee-dee-twsee- 
dee of the P. carolinensis, contrasting sharply with the ringing te-derry 
of its more northern cousin " (The Auk, vol. iii, 1886, p. 177). 

740. Parus hudsonicus Forst. Hudsoxian Chickadee. Ad. — 
Crown dull, dark brownish crray ;~back brownish ashy ; wings and tail gray- 
ish : throat black; ear-coverts, sides of the neck, breast, and belly white; 
sides rufous. 

Range. — Northern North America, from Nova Scotia, northern New Eng- 
land, and northern Michigan northward ; south in winter rarely to Massa- 
chusetts. 

Cambridge, rare, perhaps only casual, W. V., Nov. 1 to A pi. 1. 

Nest) of moss and felted fur, in holes in trees and stumps. Eggs, six to 
seven, not distinguishable from those of P. atricapillus, '61 x -50. 

This northern Chickadee is frequently found associated with P. 
atricapillus, which it resembles in habits, though its notes are quite 
unlike the notes of that species. 

Family Sylviid^:. Old- World Warblers, Kinglets, and 
gnatcatchers. 

This family is divided into three subfamilies: (1) The Sylviince, or 
Old-World Warblers, numbering one hundred species, confined exclu- 
sively to the Old World, with the exception of one species found in 
Alaska; (2) the ReguUnoi, or Kinglets, of which three of the seven 



392 KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS. 

known species are found in the New World ; (3) the Polioptilince, or 
Gnatcatchers, an American group containing about fifteen species, 
three of which are found in the United States. 

The Kinglets and Gnatcatchers are active little birds, and con- 
stantly flit from limb to limb in their search for food. They are pos- 
sessed of decided character, build remarkably beautiful nests, and some 
species are noteworthy songsters. 

KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. With a bright-colored crest. 

a. Crest ruby, without black . . 749. Kuby-crowned Kinglet (Ad. 6 ). 

b. Crest yellow, or orange and yellow, bordered by black. 

748. Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

B. Without a colored crest. 

a. Back ashy blue ; outer tail-feathers white. 

751. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 

b. Back olive-green ; no white in tail. Kuby-crowned Kinglet ( 9 and im.). 

748. Regulus satrapa Licht. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Ad. $ . 
— Center of crown bright reddish orange, bordered by yellow and black ; a 
whitish line over the eye; rest of upper parts olive-green; wings and tail 
fuscous, margined with olive-green; tail slightly 
"forked ; under parts soiled whitish. Ad. 9 . — Sim- 
ilar, but crown without orange, its center bright 
yellow, bordered on either side by black. L., 4*07 ; 
W., 2-14; T.,1-75; B., -28. 

Range.— North America; breeds from the 
northern United States northward, and southward 
along the Rockies into Mexico, and in the Alle- 

, o-hanies to North Carolina ; winters from the 
Fro. 115.- Golden-crowned . .. , ,. 

Kinglet. (Natural size.) southern limit ot its breeding range to the Gulf 

States. 

Washington, abundant W. V., Oct. 5 to Apl. 27. Sing Sing, common 
W. V., Sept. 20 to Apl. 28. Cambridge, very common T. V., common W. V., 
Sept. 20 to Apl. 25. 

Nest, generally pensile, of green mosses, lined with fine strips of soft inner 
bark, fine black rootlets, and feathers, in coniferous trees, six to sixty feet 
from the ground. Eggs, nine to ten, creamy white to muddy cream-color, 
speckled and blotched with pale wood-brown, and, rarely, faint lavender, 
•55 x -44. (See Brewster, Auk, v, 1888, p. 337.) 

This Kinglet resembles in habits its Ruby-crowned cousin, with 
which during the migrations it is frequently associated. Its notes, 
however, are quite unlike those of that species, its usual call-note being 
a fine, high ti-ti, audible only to practiced ears. In his extended ac- 
count of the nesting habits of this species, as observed by him in 
Worcester County, Mass. (Auk, I. c), Mr. Brewster writes that its song 
" begins with a succession of five or six fine, shrill, high-pitched, somfc- 




KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS. 393 

what faltering notes, and ends with a short, rapid, rather explosive 
warble. The opening notes are given in a rising key, but the song 
falls rapidly at the end. The whole may be expressed as follows : tzee, 
tzee, tzee, tzee, ti, ti, ter, ti-ti-ti-ti" 

Muffled in its thick coat of feathers, the diminutive Goldcrest 
braves our severest winters, living evidence that, given an abundance 
of food, temperature is a secondary factor in a bird's existence. 

749, Regulus calendula* {Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet. (See 
Fig. 58, a.) Ad. 6 . — Crown with a partly concealed crest of bright red ; rest 
of upper parts grayish olive-green, brighter on the rump ; wings and tail fus- 
cous, edged with olive-green; two whitish wing-bars; tail slightly forked, 
the middle feathers shortest; under parts soiled whitish, more or less tinged 
with butfy. Ad. ? and Im. — Similar, but without the red crown-patch. L., 
4-41; W., 2-24; T., 1-73; B., -29. 

Remarks. — Females and young are warblerlike in general appearance, but 
note the short first primary, barely one inch in length. 

Range. — North America; breeds from the northern border of the United 
States northward ; winters from South Carolina southward into Mexico. 

Washington, abundant T. V., Apl. 5 to May 10 ; Sept. 25 to Nov. 1 ; occa- 
sionally winters. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 8 to May 13 ; Sept. 16 to 
Nov. 3. Cambridge, rather common T. V., Apl. 10 to May 5; Oct. 10 to 
Nov. 5. 

Nest, usually semipensile, of moss, fine strips of bark, neatly interwoven, 
liued with feathers, in coniferous trees, twelve to thirty feet from the ground. 
Eggs, five to nine, dull whitish or pale buft'y, faintly speckled or spotted with 
pale brown, chiefly at the larger end, -55 x -43 (Davie). 

When the leaves begin to turn you will notice numerous very 
small, olive-green birds flitting about the terminal twigs of the trees 
and lower growth, in the woods, orchards, or hedgerows. They re- 
semble Warblers, but are much tamer — you can almost touch them — 
and have a habit of nervously flitting their wings every few seconds, 
perhaps accompanying the action by a wrenlike scolding note. You 
will not often hear them sing at this season, and there is little in their 
voice or appearance to tell you that they are among the most famous 
of feathered songsters. 

The May morning when first I heard this Kinglet's song is among 
the most memorable of my early ornithological experiences. The 
bird was in the tree tops in the most impassable bit of woods near my 
home, The longer and more eagerly I followed the unseen singer the 
greater the mystery became. It seemed impossible that a bird which 
I supposed was at least as large as a Bluebird could escape observation 
in the partly leaved trees. The song was mellow and flutelike, and 
loud enough to be heard several hundred yards ; an intricate warble 
past imitation or description, and rendered so admirably that I never 



394 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 

hear it now without feeling an impulse to applaud. The bird is so 
small, the song so rich and full, that one is reminded of a chorister 
with the voice of an adult soprano. To extend the comparison, one 
watches this gifted but unconscious musician flitting about the trees 
with somewhat the feeling that one observes the choir-boy doffing his 
surplice and joining his comrades for a game of tag. 

751. Polioptila caerulea (Linn?). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. (See 
Fig. 58, b.) Ad. 6 . — Upper parts bluish gray ; forehead and front of the head 
narrowly bordered by black; wings edged with grayish, the secondaries bor- 
dered with whitish; outer tail-feathers white, changing gradually until the 
middle ones are black ; under parts dull grayish white. Ad. 9 . — Similar, 
but without the black on the head. L., 4-50 ; W., 2*05 ; T., 2-00 ; B., -40. 

Range. — Eastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States to northern 
Illinois, southern Ontario, and New Jersey, and wanders rarely to Minnesota 
and Maine ; winters from Florida southward. 

Washington, rather common S. K., A pi. 5 to Sept. 

Nest, of tendrils, fine strips of bark, and line grasses firmly interwoven 
and covered externally with lichens, on a horizontal branch or in a crotch, 
ten to sixty, usually thirty feet up. Egg*, four to five, bluish white, thickly 
spotted and speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-brown, or umber. -56 x -46. 

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher frequents rather densely foliaged trees, 
generally in the woods, showing a preference for the upper branches. 
He is a bird of strong character, and always seems to me like a minia- 
ture Mockingbird with some of the habits of Kinglets. 

His exquisitely finished song is quite as remarkable as the ordinary 
performance of his large prototype, but is possessed of so little volume 
as to be inaudible unless one is quite near the singer. His character- 
istic call-note — a rather sudden ting, like the twang of a banjo string 
— can be heard at a greater distance. 

Family Turdid^e. Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc. 

The three hundred species included in this large family are placed 
by systematists in several subfamilies. About one hundred and fifty 
are true Thrushes belonging in the subfamily Turdince. These are 
distributed throughout the world, some twelve species inhabiting the 
United States. As a rule, they inhabit wooded regions, are migratory, 
and gregarious or sociable to a greater or less extent during their mi- 
grations and in winter. 

As songsters they are inferior to some of our birds in power of 
execution, but their voices are possessed of greater sweetness and 
expression, and they are conceded first rank among song-birds by all 
true lovers of bird music. 







Wood Thrush. 
Wilson's Thrush. 



THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 395 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 

A. Tail blue; back blue or bluish 766. Bluebird. 

B. Tail black or blackish, tipped with white 701. Kobin. 

C Tail white, tipped with black 765. Wheatear. 

A Tail olive-brown or rufous, without white spots. 

a. Upper parts cinnamon-brown; tail not brighter than the back. 

a 1 . Entire under parts, including sides, more or less heavily marked with 
round, black spots; back brighter than tail . . 755. Wood Thrush. 

a 2 . Throat and upper breast pale burFy, with small, cinnamon-brown, 
wedge-shaped spots; belly pure white; sides with a barely perceptible 
grayish wash 756. Wilson's Thrush. 

b. Upper parts olive ; back and tail nearly the same color. 

ft 1 . Throat, breast, cheeks, eye-ring, and lores deep cream-burr'. 

758a. Olive- backed Thrush. 
b*. Throat, breast, cheeks, eye, and space before the eye white, with only 
a very slight buffy tinge. 

7-">7. Gray-cheeked Thrush. 757a. Bicknell's Thrush. 

c. Upper parts olive-brown, sometimes inclining to cinnamon; upper tail- 
coverts and tail rufous 7506. Hermit Thrush. 

755. Turdus mustelinus Gmel. Wood Thrush. Ad.— Upper parts 
bright cinnamon-brown, brightest on the head, and changing gradually to pale 
olive-brown on the upper tail-coverts and tail; under parts white, thickly 
marked with large, round black spots except on the throat and middle of the 
belly. L., 8-29; W., 4-44; T., 2-92; B., '65. 

Remarks. — The Wood Thrush may be distinguished from our other 
Thrushes (1) by its larger size ; (2) by its brighter, more rufous color above; 
and (S) especially by the numerous large, round black spots on its under 
parts. These cover not only the breast, but are equally numerous on the 
sides, where they extend well up under the wings. 

Range.— Eastern United States; breeds as far north as Minnesota, Ver- 
mont, and Quebec ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 20 to Oct 15. Sing Sing, common S. K., 
Apl. 30 to Oct. 2. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12 to Sept. 15. 

Xtst. of leaves, rootlets, fine twigs, and weed stalks, firmly interwoven, 
with an inner wall of mud and lining of fine rootlets, generally in saplings, 
about eight feet up. Eggs, three to five, greenish blue, lighter and with lesa 
green than those of the Catbird, averaging lighter, but not certainly distin- 
guishable in color from those of the Robin, 1*05 x -76. 

The Wood Thrush is not so distinctively a bird of the woods as the 
Veery. Well-shaded lawns are sometimes graced by his presence, and 
at all times he is more familiar and easier to observe than his retiring 
relative. His large size, bright cinnamon upper parts, and especially 
his conspicuously spotted breast and sides, are his most striking field 
characters. 

When excited, his usual call-note, pit-pit, is rapidly repeated until 



K 


" 


P S-(2- 


— 




Come to me. 





396 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 

it resembles the sound produced by striking large pebbles together, 
quite unlike the whistled wheeu of the Veery. The Wood Thrush is a 
lovable bird, with a voice suited to his gentle disposition, but when his 
young are in real or fancied danger his sharp alarm-note gives painful 
evidence of his fear and anxiety. 

The songs of the Wood and Hermit Thrushes are of the same char- 
acter, but, while the Hermit is the more gifted performer, the Wood 
Thrush does not suffer by the comparison. His calm, restful song 
rings through the woods like a hymn of praise rising pure and clear 
from a thankful heart. It is a message of hope and good cheer in 
the morning, a benediction at the close of day : 

The flutelike opening notes are an invitation 
to his haunts ; a call from Nature to yield our- 
selves to the ennobling influences of the forest. 

756. Turdus fiiscescens Steph. Wilson's Thrush ; Veery. Ad. 
— Upper parts, wings, and tail nearly uniform cinnamon-brown, not so bright 
as in the Wood Thrush ; center of the throat white ; sides of the throat and 
breast with a delicate tinge of cream-buff, spotted with small wedge-shaped 
spots of nearly the same color as the back ; belly white ; sides white, with only 
a faint tinge of grayish, L., 7*52 ; W., 3-84 ; T., 2-87 ; B., -53. 

Remarks. — The Veery 's distinguishing characters are (1) its uniform cin- 
namon-brown upper parts; (2) its delicately marked breast; and (3) particu- 
larly its almost white sides. The Wood Thrush has the sides heavily spotted, 
and the other Thrushes have this part more or less strongly washed with 
grayish or brownish. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Illinois and Penn- 
sylvania to Manitoba and Newfoundland, and southward along the Allegha- 
nies to North Carolina ; winters in Central America. 

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 26 to May 28 ; Aug. 20 to Sept. 30. Sing 
Sing, common S. R., Apl. 29 to Sept. 5. Cambridge, very common S. R., May 
10 to Sept. 8. 

Nest, of strips of bark, rootlets, and leaves, wrapped with leaves and lined 
with rootlets, on or near the ground. Eggs, three to live, greenish blue, of the 
same shade as those of the Wood Thrush, -88 x -65. 

The Veery's home is in low, wet, rather densely undergrown wood- 
lands. He is a shyer, more retiring bird than the Wood Thrush; he 
lives nearer the ground and is less likely to leave the cover of his 
haunts. For this reason, even in localities where both are equally 
common, the Wood Thrush is more frequently observed. 

The Veery's usual call-note is a clearly whistled wheeu, which can 
be closely imitated ; his song is a weird, ringing monotone of blended 
alto and soprano tones. Neither notes nor letters can tell one of its 
peculiar quality ; it has neither break nor pause, and seems to emanate 
from no one place. If you can imagine the syllables vee-r-r-hu re- 



THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 397 

peated eight or nine times around a series of intertwining circles, the 
description may enable you to recognize the Veery 's song. 

The Veery has a double personality, or he may repeat the notes of 
some less vocally developed ancestor, for on occasions he gives utter- 
ance to an entirely uncharacteristic series of caching notes, and even 
mounts high in the tree to sing a hesitating medley of the same un- 
musical cocks, broken whistled calls, and attempted trills. Fortu- 
natelv, this performance is comparatively uncommon, and to most of 
us the Veery is known only by his own strange, unearthly song. His 
notes touch chords which no other bird's song reaches. The Water- 
Thrush is inspiring, the Wood and Hermit Thrushes " serenely exalt 
the spirit,*' but the Veery appeals to even higher feelings ; alf the 
wondrous mysteries of the w T oods find a voice in his song ; he thrills 
us with emotions we can not express. 

756a. T. f. salicicolus [Ridgw.). Willow Thrush. — Similar to the 
preceding, but with the upper parts slightly darker. 

Range. — Rocky Mountains, north to British Columbia; south in winter to 
the tropics ; migrates as far east as Illinois and, casually, South Carolina. 

757. Turdus alicise Baird. Gray-cheeked Thrush. Ad.— Upper 
parts uniform olive, practically no difference between the colors of the back 
and tail ; eye-ring whitish, lores grayish ; middle of the throat and middle 
of the belly white ; sides of the throat and breast with a very faint tinge of 
cream-buff; the feathers of the sides of the throat spotted with wedge-shaped 
marks, those of the breast with half-round black marks; sides brownish gray 
or brownish ashy. L., 7'58 ; W.,409 ; T., 2-96 ; B., -55. 

Remarks. — The uniform olive of the upper parts of this species at once 
separates it from our eastern Thrushes except its subspecies oiclcnelli and the 
Olive-backed Thrush. From the latter it may be known by the comparative 
absence of buff on the breast and sides of the throat, by its whitish eye-ring 
and grayish lores. 

Range. — Xorth America; breeds in Labrador and northwestward to Alas- 
ka ; migrates through eastern North America to Central America. 

Washington, rather common T. V., May 10 to June 5; Sept. 10 to Oct. 10. 
Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 15 to June 1; Sept. 20 to Oct. 17. 
Cambridge, uncommon T. V., May 15 to 25 ; Sept. 25 to Oct. 6. 

Nest, of grasses, leaves, strips of fine bark, etc., lined with fine grasses, in 
low trees or bushes. Eggs, four, greenish blue, spotted with rusty brown, 
•92 x -67. 

During its migrations Alice's Thrush maybe found associated with 
the Olive-backed Thrush, from which it can be distinguished in life 
only by an expert. It is a rather shy bird, and is apt to fly up from 
the ground to some low limb, and, after a moment's pause, seek a more 
distant perch before one reaches fair opera-glass range. 

This species has been so long confused with Bicknell's Thrush that 



398 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 

in many cases it is impossible to say to which birds certain records 
apply. Doubtless there is little difference in their notes or habits, but 
our knowledge of alicice in its summer home is too limited for us to 
say much about it (see, however, Nelson, Rep. on Nat. Hist. Collec- 
tions made in Alaska, p. 216). 

757a. T. a. bicknelli Ridgw. Bicknell's Thrush.— Similar to the 
preceding, but averaging somewhat brighter and constantly smaller. L., 
6-25-7-25; W., 3-40-3-80; T., 2-60-2-70; B., -50--52- (Ridgw.). 

Range. — Breeds in the higher parts of the Catskills and northward to the 
White Mountains and Nova Scotia ; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, apparently rare T. V., two instances, May. Cambridge, 
rather common T. V., May 15 to May 25 ; Sept. 25 to Oct. 6. 

Nest, essentially like that of T. swainsonii, both in construction and posi- 
tion. Eggs, greener and more finely spotted than those of swainsonii (Brew- 
ster, Minot's Land Birds and Game Birds, 2d ed., appendix, p. 468). 

"In northern New England Bicknell's Thrush breeds from an alti- 
tude of about three thousand feet (scattered pairs may be found lower 
than this) to the extreme upper limits of tree growth, but most abun- 
dantly among the dwarfed, densely matted spruces and balsams which 
cover such extensive areas on the upper slopes and ridges of our higher 
mountains. Here, in an atmosphere always cool and ordinarily satu- 
rated with moisture from passing clouds, it spends the summer in 
company with such birds as Swainson's Thrushes, Winter Wrens, 
Yellow-rumped and Black-poll Warblers, J uncos, White-throated 
Sparrows, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. In many places it is quite 
as numerous as any of these species, and in certain favored localities 
it probably outnumbers them all put together. Nevertheless one may 
spend hours in its chosen haunts without getting a fair view of a sin- 
gle individual, for, despite (or perhaps really because of) the fact that 
these solitudes are rarely invaded by man, Bicknell's Thrush is, while 
breeding, one of the very shyest of our smaller birds. . . . 

" The song is exceedingly like that of the Veery, having the same 
ringing, flutelike quality; but it is more interrupted, and it ends dif- 
ferently, — the next to the last note dropping a half tone, and the final 
one rising abruptly and having a sharp emphasis. The ordinary calls 
are a whistled pheu practically identical with that of T. fuscescens, a 
harsh note which recalls the cry of the Night Hawk, a low cluck much 
like that of the Hermit Thrush, and a pip or peenk similar to that of 
Swainson's Thrush. The last is rarely heard" (Brewster, 1. c, p. 407). 

758a. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii (Cab.). Olive-backed 
Thrush ; Swainson's Thrush. Ad. — Upper parts uniform olive ; back and 
tail practically the same color; eye-ring deep, cream -buff, lores the same ; 
whole throat and breast with a strong tinge of deep cream-butt or even ochra- 



THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 399 

ceous-buff; the feathers of the sides of the throat with wedge-shaped black 
spots at their tips, those of the breast with rounded black spots at their tips ; 
middle of the belly white; sides brownish gray or brownish ashy. L., 7*17 ; 
W\, 3-93; T., 2-76; B., -50. 

Remarks. — This bird will be confused only with the Gray-cheeked and 
BieknelPs Thrushes, from which it differs in the much stronger suffusion of 
buff on the throat and breast, its buff eye-ring and lores. 

Range. — Breeds from Manitoba, northern New England, and New Bruns- 
wick to Alaska and Labrador, and southward in the Rocky Mountains, and 
along the Alleghanies to Pennsylvania; winters in the tropics. 

Washington, common T. V., May 4 to 28 ; Sept. 22 to Oct. 25. Sing Sing, 
tolerably common T. V., May 2 to 30; Sept. 19 to Oct. 22. Cambridge, com- 
mon T. V., May 12 to June 3 ; Sept. 10 to Oct. 5. 

JYest, of coarse grasses, moss, rootlets, leaves, and bark, lined with rootlets 
and grasses, in bushes or small trees, about four feet up. Eggs, three to four, 
greenish blue, more or less spotted and speckled with cinnamon-brown or 
rufous, *90 x -64. 

Passing northward in the spring, in small, silent bands, scattered 
through the woodland undergrowth, whence they quietly slip away, if 
disturbed, often to the higher branches of the trees, these birds easily 
escape observation. In late September or early October their loud, 
metallic call-notes may be recognized overhead at night, and during 
the day the birds themselves may be found on the edges of the woods 
or along tangled hedgerows, associated with Sparrows and other mi- 
grants. Their summer home is in the coniferous forest of the north, 
although they do not confine themselves strictly to the evergreen 
woods, and, avoiding its depths, seek rather the vicinity of clearings 
well grown up with firs and spruces. Here, day after day, the same 
musician may be seen pouring forth his ringing song from some com- 
manding elevation — preferably a dead tree top. If approached, he 
promptly dives down into the underbrush, where he is very likely 
joined by his mate, and both proceed to scold, in a mild way, the 
chance intruder. Little is ever seen of these shy birds, but fortunately 
their notes are quite characteristic, and the sole obstacle in distinguish- 
ing them from those of the Hermit Thrush, a bird frequenting the 
same localities, lies in the difficulty of tracing them to their source. 

The effect of its loud and beautiful song is much enhanced by the 
evening hush in which it is most often heard. It lacks the leisurely 
sweetness of the Hermit Thrush's outpourings, nor is there pause, but 
in lower key and with greater energy it bubbles on rapidly to a close 
rather than fading out with the soft melody of its renowned rival. 
There are also a variety of other notes, the most frequent being a 
puk of alarm, pitched higher than a corresponding chicle of the Hermit 
Thrush. J. Dwight, Jr. 



d 



400 THRCJSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 

759b. Turdus aonalaschkae pallasii (Gab.). Hermit Thrush. 
Ad. — Upper parts olive-brown, sometimes cinnamon-brown; tail pale rufous, 
of a distinctly different color from the back ; throat and breast with a slight 
buffy tinge ; feathers of the sides of the throat with wedge-shaped black spots 
at their tips ; those of the breast with large, rounded spots ; middle of the 
belly white ; sides brownish gray or brownish ashy. L., 7*17 ; W., 3-56 ; T., 
2-74; B., -51. 

Remarks. — The Hermit Thrush may always be easily identified by its 
rufous tail. It is the only one of our Thrushes which has the tail brighter 
than the back. 

Range. — Eastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and 
Massachusetts northward, and southward along the Alleghanies to Pennsyl- 
vania ; winters from southern Illinois and New Jersey to the Gulf States. 

Washington, very common T. V., sometimes not uncommon W. V., Ap' 

4 to May 15 ; Oct. 15 to Nov. Sing Sing, common T. Y\, Apl. 5 to May 9 ; 
Oct. IS to Nov. 26. Cambridge, very common T. V., Apl. 16 to May 5; Oct. 

5 to Nov. 15 ; occasionally one or two may winter. 

Nest, of moss, coarse grasses, and leaves, lined with rootlets and pine 
needles, on the ground. Eggs, three to tour, greenish blue, of a slightly 
lighter tint than those of the Wood Thrush, -88 x -69. 

This Thrush comes to us in the spring, when the woods are still 
bare, and lingers in the autumn until they are again leafless — the 
earliest as it is the latest of our Thrushes. It is common on its mi- 
grations, but attracts little notice, for, though not really a shy bird 
its disposition is retiring, and it is most at home in secluded wood 
land and thickety retreats. Still, it often finds seclusion enough along 
shrubby roadsides, and may so far doff its hermit traits as to approach 
dwellings, where its attractive lightness of motion and ease of mannei 
may be observed from indoors. It frequently descends to the ground, 
but is soon back again in the branches, making short flights from 
perch to perch, often with long, quiet pauses in the intervals. It may 
be known at sight by its habit of lifting its tail slightly, especially 
after alighting. This action is usually accompanied by the bird's 
customary note — a low clinch, which sounds scarcely thrushlike. 

The Hermit Thrush bears high distinction among our song birds. 
Its notes are not remarkable for variety or volume, but in purity 
and sweetness of tone and exquisite modulation they are unequaled. 
Some, indeed, have deemed the Wood Thrush not inferior: but though 
the Wood Thrush at its best seems sometimes to touch the very highest 
chords of bird music, the strains of its wilder cousin, in tranquil clear- 
ness of tone and exalted serenity of expression, go beyond any woods 
music we ever hear. 

While traveling, the Hermit Thrush is not in full voice, and he 
who would know its song must follow it to the mossy forests, which 
are its summer home. Eugexe P. Bjckxell. 



THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 401 

The Red-winged Thrush (760. Tardus iliacus), a European species, is of 
accidental occurrence in Greenland. 

761. Merula migratoria (Linn.). American Robin. (See Fig. 
59, a.) Ad. 6 . — Top and sides of the head black, a white spot above the eye ; 
rest of the upper parts grayish slate-color; margins of wings slightly lighter; 
tail black, the outer feathers with white spots at their tips; throat white, 
spotted with black ; rest of the under parts rufous (tipped with white in the 
fall), becoming white on the middle of the lower belly. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but 
back of head tipped with grayish ; back, tail, and under parts lighter. Young 
in nestling plumage. — Back and under parts spotted with black. L., 10*00 ; 
W., 4-96 ; T., 3'87 : B., -84. 

Range. — " Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains, including east- 
ern Mexico and Alaska. Breeds from near the southern border of the United 
States northward to the arctic coast; winters from southern Canada and the 
Northern States (irregularly) southward" (A. 0. U.). 

Washington, rather common S. R., abundant T. V., from Feb. to Apl. ; 
irregularly common W. V. Sing Sing, common S. R., Mch. 4 to Oct. 30 ; a few 
winter. Cambridge, very abundant S. R., common but irregular W. V. 

Sest, of coarse grasses, leaves, rootlets, etc., with an inner wall of mud and 
lining of fine grasses, most frequently in fruit or shade trees, five to thirty feet 
up. Eggs, three to five, greenish blue, very rarely with brownish markings, 
1-14 x -80. 

While the few Robins that have the courage to winter with us are 
seeking protection from chilling winds in the depths of friendly ever- 
greens, their comrades who extended their journey to the south are 
holding carnival under sunny skies. In Florida, during the winter, 
Robins may be found in enormous flocks, feeding on the berries of the 
China tree, holly, and mistletoe. Occasionally they give voice to a 
half-suppressed chorus, as though rehearsing for the approaching 
season of sOng. 

Robins migrate in flocks, and the arrival of the advance guard 
makes the dreariest March day seem bright. It is a question whether 
these pioneers are summer residents or transients en route to a more 
northern summer home, but in my experience they make the sunny 
side of some woods their headquarters and remain there until paired. 
They are then in full song, and w T e see them in their accustomed haunts 
about our lawms and orchards. 

Toward the last of June the young of the first brood, with the old 
males, resort in numbers nightly to a roosting place. These roosts are 
generally in deciduous second growths, usually in low, but sometimes 
on high ground. The females are now occupied with the cares of a 
second family, and the males are said to return each day to assist them 
in their duties.* 

* See studies of Robins 1 roosts, by William Brewster, in Auk. x, 1890, pp. 
360-373, and Bradford Torrey in The Foot-path Way, 1892, pp. 153-175. 
27 



402 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 

Early in September, when the nesting season is over, Robins gather 
in large flocks, and from this time until their departure for the south 
roam about the country in search of food, taking in turn wild cher- 
ries, dogwood and cedar berries. 

The songs and call-notes of the Robin, while well known to every 
one, are in reality understood by no one, and offer excellent subjects 
for the student of bird language. Its notes express interrogation, sus- 
picion, alarm, caution, and it signals to its companions to take wing; 
indeed, few of our birds have a more extended vocabulary. 

The Varied Thrush (763. Ilesperocichla ncevia), a species of western 
North America, has been recorded from Massachusetts, Long Island, and 
New Jersey. 

765. Saxicola oenanthe (Linn.). Wheatear; Stone-chat. Ad. 6. 
—Upper parts light gray ; forehead and upper tail-coverts white ; cheeks and 
wings black ; the basal two thirds of the tail white, the end black ; under 
parts whitish, more or less washed with buffy. Ad. 9 . — Similar, but duller, 
the black grayer, the white parts more buffy. Ad. in winter and Im. — Upper 
parts cinnamon-brown, wings edged with lighter; upper tail-coverts and base 
of the tail white ; end of the tail black, tipped with buffy ; under parts ochra- 
ceous-buff. L., 6-25 ; W., 4-00 ; T., 2-20 ; B., -50. 

Range.—" Europe, North Africa, Asia, Alaska, Greenland, and Labrador, 
straggling south to Nova Scotia, Maine, Long Island, and the Bermudas" 
(A. O. U.). 

Nest, of moss and grasses, usually in crevices among rocks. Eggs, four to 
seven, bluish white, '81 x -59. 

This European species is a common summer resident in Greenland. 
It has been found nesting in Labrador, and there is evidence of its 
having bred at Godbout, Province of Quebec (see Merriam, Auk, ii, 
1885, p. 305; Comeau, ibid., vii, 1890, p. 294). South of these points 
it is of accidental occurrence. 

Mr. Saunders writes : " From early spring onward the Wheatear 
is to be seen, jerking its white tail as it flits along, uttering its sharp 
chack, chack, on open downs, warrens, and the poorer land ; ascending 
the mountains almost to the highest summits. . . . 

" The song of the male is rather pretty, and the bird also displays 
considerable powers of imitating other species." 

766. Sialia sialis (Linn.). Bluebird. (See Figs. 2 and 50, a.) 
Ad. 6.— Upper parts, wings, and tail bright blue, tipped with rusty in the 

fall ; throat, breast, and sides dull cinnamon-rufous ; belly white. Ad. 9 . 

Upper parts with a grayish tinge ; throat, breast, and sides paler. Young in 
nestling plumage. — Back spotted with whitish; the breast feathers margined 
with fuscous. L., 7-01 ; W., 3*93; T., 2-58; B., -47. 

Range.— United States; breeds from the Gulf States to Manitoba and 






THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 403 

Nova Scotia ; winters from southern Illinois and southern New York south- 
ward. 

Washington, common P. K. Sing Sing, common P. K. Cambridge, com- 
mon S. R., Mch. 6 to Nov. 1 ; more numerous during migrations, in Mch. and 
Nov. 

Nest, of grasses, in hollow trees or bird-houses. Eggs, four to six, bluish 
white, sometimes plain white, # 85 x *65. 

A bird so familiar as the Bluebird needs no introduction ; in fact, 
he seems so at home in our orchards and gardens or about our dwell- 
ings that one wonders what he did for a home before the white man 
came. 

In the winter, it is true, Bluebirds are greater rovers, and one may- 
see them in the Southern States whirling through the w T oods in great 
flocks or feeding on the berries of the mistletoe. But the warmth of 
returning spring reminds them of cozy bird-boxes or hospitable pear 
or apple trees, and soon we see them inspecting last summer's home, 
evidently planning repairs and alterations. 

The Bluebird's disposition is typical of all that is sweet and amia- 
ble. His song breathes of love ; even his fall call-note — tur-wee, tur- 
ves — is soft and gentle. So associated is his voice with the birth and 
death of the seasons that to me his song is freighted with all the glad- 
ness of springtime, while the sad notes of the birds passing southward 
tell me more plainly than the falling leaves that the year is dying. 



APPENDIX I. 

A Field Key to our 
Commoner Eastern Land Birds. 

Acting upon a suggestion, I have prepared as an Appendix to the 
Handbook the following field key to those birds which, either because 
of their abundance or conspicuous colors, most frequently attract our 
attention. With the object of making it as brief, and consequently as 
simple, as possible, I have omitted species which can be referred to 
their respective families without difficulty — for example, Hawks, Owls, 
Woodpeckers, and Swallows. It is designed simply as an aid to the 
first steps of the beginner, who will soon graduate from it to the more 
detailed keys in the body of the book. Like the field keys to Finches 
and Sparrows, and Warblers, after which it is modeled, it is based 
largely upon adult males. Its use will be found fully explained on 
page 34. 

First Group. — With yellow or orange in the plumage. 
Second Group. — With red in the plumage. 
Third Group. — With blue in the plumage. 

Fourth Group. — Plumage conspicuously black, or black and white. 
Fifth Group. — Without either yellow, orange, red, or blue in the plumage; 
not conspicuously black, or black and white. 

First Group.— With yellow or orange in the plumage. 

I. Throat yellow. 
A. Throat and breast pure yellow, without streaks or spots. 

a. Length 5-00 ; cap, wings, and tail black ; back yellow : song canary- 
like, sometimes uttered on the wing : flight undulating, frequently 
accompanied by the notes chic-o-ree, per-chic-o-ree. 

529. Am. Goldfinch. 

b. Length 5-50 ; lower belly and wing-bars white ; back olive-green ; 
frequents the upper branches, generally in woodland ; actions delib- 
erate ; song loud and musical, uttered slowly, often with pauses : " See 
me ? I'm here ; where are you V . . 628. Yellow-throated Vireo. 

c. Length 5*25 ; cheeks and forehead black bordered by ashy ; upper 
parts olive-green; no wing-bars; haunts thickets and undergrowth; 
movements nervous and active ; call-note, pit or chach ; song, a vigor- 
ous, rapid witch-e-wee-o, witch-e-wee-o, witch-e-wee-o. 

681. Maryland Yellow-throat. 
40 1 



APPENDIX I. 405 

d. Length 7*25 ; upper parts olive-green ; no wing-bars ; a white line 
before the eye ; haunts thickets and undergrowth ; song, a striking 
mixture of whistles, chucks, and caws, sometimes uttered on the wing. 

683. Yellow-breasted Chat. 

B. Under parts streaked with rufous-brown; length 500: general appear- 
ance of a yellow bird; haunts shrubbery of lawns, orchards, second 
growths, and particularly willows near water ; song, rather loud, wee, chee- 
chee-chee, cher-wee, or chee-chee-chee-chee, way-o . 652. Yellow Warbler. 

C. Breast yellow, with a conspicuous black crescent; length 10*00 ; haunts 
fields and meadows, largely terrestrial ; flight quail-like, outer white tail- 
feathers showing when on the wing ; song, a loud, musical whistle. 

501. Meadowlark. 

II. Throat white. 

A. With yellow on the sides. 

a. Length 5*50 ; rump yellow ; breast streaked or spotted with black ; 
tail-feathers marked with white ; note, a characteristic tchip ; Sept. to 
May, usually rare or local in winter .... 655. Myrtle Warbler. 

b. Length 5*00 ; no streaks on under parts or white in the tail ; yellow 
extending along the whole sides; back olive-green, iris white; haunts 
thickets ; call, an emphatic " Who are you, eh ? " 

631. White-eyed Vireo. 

c. Length 5*25 ; tail and wings banded with yellow, showing conspicu- 
ously in flight; haunts woodland; movements active, much in the 
air, tail frequently spread 687. Redstart. 

B. No yellow on sides. 

a. Length 6\75 ; a yellow line from the bill to the eye ; crown black, with 
a white stripe through its center; haunts in and about thickets and 
bushy woodlands ; song, a high, clear, musical whistle ; call-note, chink. 

558. White-throated Sparrow. 

b. Length 4*00; a yellow or yellow and orange crown-patch, bordered 
by black; flits restlessly about outer limbs of trees and bushes; note, 
a fine ti-ti ; Oct. to Apl 748. Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

III. Throat vinaceous ; length 12*00; a black breast-patch; belly white, 
spotted with black ; rump white, showing conspicuously in flight ; linings 
of wings yellow ; call-note, a loud Fee-yer 412. Flicker. 

IV. Throat and head black; length 7*50; breast, belly, and lower back deep 
orange ; an active inhabitant of fruit and shade trees ; song, a loud, ringing 
whistle . 507. Baltimore Oriole. 

V. Throat and upper breast ashy ; length 9*00 ; crested ; belly yellow, tail- 
feathers largely pale rufous; haunts upper branches in w r oodland; note, a 
loud questioning, or grating whistle .... 452. Crested Flycatcher. 

•71. Grayish brown; length 7*00; crested; tip of tail yellow. 

619. Wax wing. 

Second Group.— With red in the plumage. 

1 . With red on the under parts. 
A. Throat red. 
a. Length 7'00 ; wings and tail black ; rest of plumage bright scarlet ; 
call-note, chip-chirr 608. Scarlet Tanager. 



406 APPENDIX I. 

b. Length 6*00 ; dull, pinkish red, wings and tail brownish ; frequently 
seen feeding on buds or blossoms ; call-note, a sharp chink, often ut- 
tered during flight ; song, a sweet, flowing warble. 

517. Purple Finch. 

e. Length 6*00 ; dull red or green tinged with red ; mandibles crossed ; 
generally seen in flocks feeding on pine cones . 521. Am. Crossbill. 

d. Length 5*00 ; a red crown-cap ; back streaked black and brown ; breast 
rosy ; feeds on seeds or catkins ; Nov. to Men. . . . 528. Redpoll. 

B. Throat black. 

a. Length 8-00 ; breast rose-red, rest of plumage black and white ; song 
loud and musical ; call-note, peek . . 595. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 

b. Length 8*00 ; a conspicuous crest ; region about the base of the bill 
black ; rest of the plumage and bill red ; song, a clear whistle. 

593. Cardinal. 

e. Length 5-50 ; wings and tail banded with orange-red, showing con- 
spicuously in flight; movements active; much in the air; tail fre- 
quently spread ; haunts woodland 687. Redstart. 

II. No red on the under parts. 

A. Length 9-00 ; black ; shoulders red ; haunts marshes ; migrates in flocks. 

498. Red-winged Blackbird. 

B. Length 5-25 ; crown-cap red ; chin black ; rest of under parts streaked 
with blackish ; feeds on seeds and catkins ; Nov. to Mch. 

528. Redpoll (Im.). 

C. Length 4-00; under parts whitish; back olive-green; a ruby crown- 
patch ; eye-ring white ; movements restless, wings flitted nervously ; call- 
note, each ; song remarkably loud and musical ; Sept. and Oct. ; Apl. and 

|^ a y 749. RUBY-CROWNED KlNGLET. 

Third Group.— With blue in the plumage. 

I. Length 11-50; a conspicuous crest; upper parts dull blue; under parts 

whitish ; a black patch on the breast 477. Blue Jay. 

II. Length 7'00 ; upper parts bright blue ; under parts cinnamon-rufous. 

766. Bluebird. 

III. Length 5-50; entire plumage indigo-blue . . . 598. Indigo Bunting. 

Fourth Group.— Plumage conspicuously black, or black 
and white. 

I. Black and white birds. 
A. Throat black. 
a. Length over 6*00. 
ah Entire under parts black; nape buify; rump white; a musical 
dweller of fields and meadows; frequently sings on the wing. 

494. Bobolink. 

a'. Breast rose-red ; rest of the plumage black and white ; song rapid, 

loud, and musical; call-note, peek; a tree dweller in rather open 

woodland 595 - Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 

a*. Sides rufous : rest of the plumage black and white ; call-note, 
chewink or towhee ; inhabits the undergrowth . . . 587. Towhee. 



APPENDIX I. 407 

b. Length under 6-00. 
b l . Crown black : cheeks white ; back ashy ; unstreaked ; call, chick-a- 

dee, or a musical, double-noted whistle 735. Chickadee. 

b*. Conspicuously streaked with black and white ; a tree creeper. 

636. Black and white Warbler. 
B. Under parte white or whitish. 

a. Length 8*00; upper parts grayish slate-color; tail tipped with white; 
a bird of the air, catching its insect food on the wing, and occasionally 
sallying forth from its exposed perch in pursuit of a passing Crow ; 
note, an unmusical, steely chatter 444. Kingbird. 

b. Length 5'75 ; crown black ; back bluish gray ; a tree creeper ; call-note, 
yank, yank 727. White-breasted Nuthatch. 

c. Length 6-50; upper parts washed with rusty ; generally seen in flocks; 
terrestrial ; Nov. to Mch 534. Snowflake. 

II. No white in the plumage. 

A. Length 19-00; jet black 4B3 Am. Crow. 

B. Length 12-00; black with metallic reflections; iris yellowish; migrates 
in flocks ; nests usually in colonies in coniferous trees ; voice cracked and 
reedy ; tail " keeled " in short flights ; a walker. 

511. Purple Grackle. 5116. Bronzed Grackle. 

C. Length 9-50 ; shoulders red ; haunts marshes ; call, kong-quer-ree. 

498. Red-winged Blackbird 

D. Length 7'50 ; head and neck coffee-brown ; frequently seen on the 
ground near cattle 495. Cowbird. 

Fifth Group.— Without either yellow, orange, red, or blue 
in the plumage ; not conspicuously black, or black 
and white. 

I. Under parts all one color, without streaks or spots. 
1. Back without streaks or spots. 

A. Under parts white or whitish ; length under 7*50. 
a. Back olive, olive-green, or slaty fuscous. 
a 1 . No white line over the eye; flycatchers, capturing their prey on 
the wing and returning to their perch, where they sit quietly until 
making a fresh sally. 

a a . Crown blackish ; frequently found nesting under bridges or 
about buildings ; tail wagged nervously ; note, pewit-phoebe. 

456. Phcsbe. 
a 9 . Wing-bars whitish ; haunts orchards, lawns, and open woodland : 

note, chebec, chebec 467. Least Flycatcher. 

a*. Haunts woodlands ; generally frequents the upper branches ; 

note, a plaintive pee-a-wee 461. Wood Pewee. 

b 1 . A white line over the eye, or wing-bars white ; gleaners ; patiently 

exploring the foliage for food or flitting about the outer branches. 

b*. White line over the eye bordered by a narrow black one ; cap 

gray ; iris red ; song, a rambling recitative : M You see it — you 

know it — do you hear me ? " etc. . . . 624. Red-eyed Vireo. 

b*. White line over the eye not bordered by black ; prefers the 



408 APPENDIX I. 

upper branches of rows of elms and other shade trees; song, a 
rich, unbroken warble with an alto undertone. 

627. Wabbling Vibeo. 

b 4 . No white line over the eye; eye-ring and wing-bars white; 

length 4*00 ; a tiny, unsuspicious bird ; flits about the outer 

branches of trees and shrubs ; wings twitched nervously ; note, 

each ; song, a remarkably loud, musical whistle. 

749. RuBY-CBOWNED KlNGLET. 

b. Back gray or bluish gray. 

b 1 . Crown black ; cheeks white ; a tree creeper; note, yank, yanlc. 

727. White-bbeasted Nuthatch. 

6 2 . A gray, crested bird ; forehead black ; no white in the tail ; note, 

a whistled peto, peto, or hoarse de-de-de-de . . 731. Tufted Tit. 

c. Back cinnamon-brown ; length 4*75; a nervous, restless, excitable 
bird ; tail carried erect ; song sweet, rapid and rippling, delivered 
with abandon 721. House Wren. 

B. Under parts white or whitish ; length over 7*50. 

a. Upper parts grayish slate-color; a white band at the end of the 
tail ; a concealed orange-red crest ; a bird of the air, catching its 
insect food on the wing, and occasionally sallying forth from its 
exposed perch in pursuit of a passing Crow; note, an unmusical, 
steely chatter 444. Kingbibd. 

b. Length 12-00; slim, brownish birds with long tails; flight short and 
noiseless ; perch in a tree, not in an exposed position ; note, tut- 
tut, cluck-cluck, and cow-cow. 

387. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 388. Black-billed Cuckoo. 
C. Under parts not white. 

a. Slate-color; cap and tail black; inhabits the lower growth ; call-note, 
nasal ; song highly musical and varied ; length 8*50 . 704. Catbibd. 

b. Grayish brown ; conspicuously crested ; a black line through the 
eye; tail tipped with yellow; generally seen in small flocks; note 
thin and weak; length 7*00 619. Cedab Waxwing. 

c. Under parts cream-buff; a conspicuous whitish line over the eye; 
upper parts rufous-brown ; movements active ; tail carried erect ; 
haunts lower growth ; notes loud and striking ; length 5-50. 

718. Cabolina Wben. 
2. Back streaked. 
A. Crown rufous or chestnut without streaks. 

a. Length 5*25 ; bill black ; a whitish line over the eye ; a familiar bird 
of lawns and door-yards ; song, a monotonous chippy -chippy -chippy. 

560. Chipping Spabbow 

b. Length 5*50 ; bill reddish brown, back rufous, or rufous-brown ; 
wing-bars and eye-ring whitish ; haunts dry, bushy fields and pas- 
tures ; song, a musical, plaintive cher-wee, cher-wee, cher-wee, cheeo, 
dee-dee-dee-dee 563. Field Spabbow. 

c. Length 5*50; forehead black; crown and wings chestnut-rufous; 
flanks pale grayish brown ; haunts marshes ; song, a rapidly repeated 
weet-weet-weet, etc 584. Swamp Spabbow. 



APPENDIX I. 409 

B. Crown not rufous or chestnut. 

a. Length 6*75; crown, blackish with a central whitish stripe; throat 
white; breast gray; a yellow spot before the eye; haunts in and 
about thickets and bushy woodlands ; song, a high, clear, musical 
whistle ; call-note, chink . . . . 558. White-throated Sparrow. 

b. Length 5*50 ; crown finely streaked ; a tree climber, winding patiently 
up tree trunks in search of food ; tail-feathers pointed. 

726. Brown Creeper. 

c. Length 5*50; bill slender; a white line over the eye; tail carried 
erect; haunts reedy marshes; call-note scolding; song rippling. 

725. Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
II. Under parts white or whitish, streaked or spotted. 

1. Back streaked. 

A. Crown streaked ; under parts conspicuously streaked. 

a. Outer tail-feathers white, showing conspicuously when the bird flies ; 
length 6'00 ; haunts dry fields and roadsides ; song loud and musical. 

540. Vesper Sparrow. 

b. Outer tail-feathers not white. 

b l . Length 6*00 ; plumage with a rufous-brown cast ; spots on the 
breast tending to form one large spot in its center; haunts on or 
near the ground, generally in the vicinity of bushes ; call-note, a 

characteristic cha ; song musical 581. Song Sparrow. 

6 a . Length 6*00 ; no rufous in the plumage ; spots on the under parts 
evenly distributed ; frequently seen feeding on buds or blossoms ; 
call-note, a sharp chink, often uttered during flight; song, a sweet, 

flowing warble 517. Purple Finch (Im.). 

B. Crown not streaked, rufous-brown ; under parts whitish with an in- 
distinct blackish spot in the center of the breast ; Oct. to Apl. 

559. Tree Sparrow. 

2. Back not streaked. 

A. Upper parts rufous, olive-brown, or cinnamon-brown. 

a. Bill slender and thrushlike ; breast spotted with blackish. 

a 1 . Length 11-00 ; tail 5*00 ; wing-bars white ; upper parts, wings, and 
tail uniform rufous ; haunts undergrowth ; sings from an exposed 
and generally elevated position ; song loud, striking, and continuous. 

705. Brown Thrasher. 
b l . Length under 9*00 ; tail under 3-00 : no wing-bars. 

Z> 2 . Breast and sides heavily marked with large, round, black spots ; 
head and upper h&ekbrighter than lower back and tail ; call-note, 

a sharp pit or liquid quirt 755. Wood Thrush. 

b s . Breast with wedge-shaped black spots ; sides unspotted, washed 
with brownish ashy ; tail rufous, brighter than back ; call-note, a 

low chuck 759£. Hermit Thrush. 

£ 4 . Upper breast lightly spotted with small, wedge-shaped, black- 
ish spots ; tail the same color as the back ; sides white ; call- 
note, a clearly whistled wheeu .... 756. Wilson's Thrush. 

b. Bill short and stout; breast and sides heavily spotted with 
rufous; length 7*00; haunts on or near the ground, generally in 



410 APPENDIX I. 

or about shrubbery ; call - note, tseep ; song loud, ringing, and 

musical 585. Fox Sparrow. 

B. Back olive-green ; center of crown pale rufous, bordered by black ; 
length 6*00 ; haunts on or near the ground in woodland ; a walker / song, 
a ringing teacher, teacher, teacher, TEACHEK, TEACHER. 

674. Oven-bird. 

III. Throat and upper breast black or slate-color, very different from the 
white or chestnut belly. 

A. Throat black. 

a. Belly and rump chestnut; head, wings, and tail black; haunts 
orchards, shade trees, etc. ; song highly musical. 

506. Orchard Oriole. 

b. Belly white; sides rufous; tail black and white; haunts under- 
growths ; call-note, chewink or towhee 587. Towhee. 

B. Throat slate-color. 

a. Back and wings slate-color; outer tail-feathers and belly white; 
haunts generally on or near the ground about shrubbery; Oct. 
to Apl 567. Junco. 

IV. Throat streaked with black and white ; rest of under parts rufous ; upper 
parts grayish slate-color ; length 10*00 761. Kobin. 



APPENDIX II. 

Since the publication, in May, 1895, of the first edition of the 
Handbook, three additional species have been recorded from eastern 
North America, six new races have been described, and seventeen 
changes have been made in nomenclature. These additions and 
emendations are presented below, each one being preceded by its 
number in the Check-List of North American Birds, published by 
the American Ornithologists' Union, thus showing its proper place 
in the body of the Handbook, where the same system of enumeration 
has been adopted. 

89. Change Puffinus major Faber to Puffinus gravis ( O'Reilly), 
the latter name having four years' priority. (See Salvin, Cat. Birds, Brit. Mus., 
xxv, 1896, p. 373.) 

102. Add Daption capensis {Linn.). Pintado Petrel. — A species 
of the oceans of the southern hemisphere which has been recorded from Casco 
Bay, Maine. (See Coues apud Purdie, New England Bird Life, ii, p. 386.) 
Omitted from previous editions in error. 

131.1. Add Mergus albellus Linn. Smew. — An Old World species 
which has been once recorded from "northern North America." (Salvadori, 
Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., xxvii, 1896, pp. 467, 468.) 

141.1. Add Casarca casarca {Linn.). Buddy Sheldrake. — An 
Old World species which has been once recorded from Greenland. (See 
Allen apud Schalow, The Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 243.) 

151. Change Glaucionetta clangula americana {Bonap.) to 
Clangula clangula americana Bonap., the generic name Glauti,o~ 
netta having been wrongly applied. (See Eighth Supplement A. 0. U. Check- 
List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 125.) 

152. Change Glaucionetta islandica (G-mel.) to Clangula 

islandica Gmel., for the reason given under the preceding species. 

154. Change Clangula hyemalis Linn, to Harelda hyemalis 

{Linn.), the generic name Clangula having been wrongly applied. (See 
Eighth Supplement to A. O. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv, 1897, 
p. 125.) 

411 



412 APPENDIX II. 

167. Change Erismatura rubida ( Wils.) to Erismatura ja- 
maicensis (Gmel.), the latter name having twenty-six years' priority. (See 
Salvadori, Cat. Birds Brit. Mas., xxvii, 1896, p. 445.) 

171.1. Add Anser fabalis (Lath.). Bean Goose.— An Old World 
species which has been once recorded from Greenland. (See Allen apud 
Schalow, The Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 244.) 

224. Change Phalaropus tricolor ( Vieill.) to Steganopus tri- 
color Vieill., the subgenus Steganopus having been accorded generic rank. 
(See Eighth Supplement A. 0. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv, 
1897, p. 126.) 

270. Change Charadrius squatarola {Linn.) to Squatarola 

squatarola (Linn.), the subgenus Squatarola having been accorded generic 
rank. (See Eighth Supplement A. O. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk, 

xiv, 1897, p. 126.) 

322. Change Geotrygon martinica (Linn.) to Geotrygon 

chrysia Bonap. The former inhabits the Lesser Antilles, the latter Cuba, 
Haiti, the Bahamas, and Florida Keys. (See Salvadori, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., 
xxi, 1893, pp. 570-572.) 

394c. Add Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.).— The 
Downy Woodpeckers of eastern North America have been separated by Mr. 
H. C. Oberholser into two races : Dryobates pubescens, the Southern Downy 
Woodpecker, inhabiting the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and Dryo- 
bates pubescens medianus, the Downy Woodpecker, inhabiting the 
region from North Carolina northward. The former is described as similar 
to D. P. medianus, a but smaller, the lower parts more brownish, the white 
markings of wings and tail averaging of less extent." (See Oberholser, Proc. 
U. S. Nat. Mus., xviii, p. 547 ; also Brewster, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 80.) 

466a. Change Empidonax traillii (And.), Traill's Flycatcher, 
to Empidonax traillii alnorum (Breivst.), Alder Flycatcher. — The 
change proposed by Mr, Brewster, and mentioned in a note under this species, 
has been adopted by the A. 0. U. Committee. 

498b. Change Agelaius phoeniceus bryanti Ridgiv., Bahaman 
Redwing, to Agelaius phoeniceus fioridanus Maynard, Florida Red- 
wing, the Florida bird having proved separable from the former, inhabiting 
the Bahamas. (See Maynard, Birds E. N. A., part 40, 1896, p. 689.) 

550c. Add Ammodramus maritimus macgillivrayi And. 
Louisiana Seaside Finch. — The dark Seaside Finch of the west Gulf coast 
(Louisiana, southward in winter to Corpus Christi, Texas) has been separated 
by Mr. Ridgway under the above name. It is described as " similar to A. m. 
peninsula, but still darker, with dusky streaks on back, broader and blacker, 
and margined externally (except along median line) with broad streaks of 
pale ash gray or grayish white ; pileum and hind neck more strongly tinged 
with brown ; post-auricular space and chest strongly tinged with bulf (some- 



APPENDIX II. 413 

times wholly deep buff), the latter distinctly streaked with black or grayish 
dusky." (Ridgway, Manual N. A. Birds, 2 ed., p. 602.) 

567b. Change Junco hyemalis shufeldti Coale, Siiufeldt's 
Junco, to Junco hyemalis connectens Goues, Hybrid Junco, the 
name shufeldti being antedated by that of connectens. 

593d. Add Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus liidgw. Florida 
Cardinal. — The Cardinal of Florida lias been described, under the above 
name, by Mr. Kidgway, as "smaller and darker colored than C. cardinalis ; 
adult male with the terminal margins of feathers of back, etc., olivaceous 
instead of gray: adult female with more red in crest and on tail, the chest 
frequently much tinged or intermixed with red." (Manual N. A. Birds, 
2 ed., p. 606.) 

595. Change Habia ludoviciana (Linn.) to Zamelodia ludo- 
viciana (Linn.), the generic name Habia having been wrongly applied. 
(See Coues, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 39.) 

596. Change Habia melanocephala (Sivains.) to Zamelodia 

melanocephala (Swains.) for reasons given under the preceding species. 

645. Change Helminthophila ruficapilla (Wils.) to Helmin- 
thophila rubricapilla ( Wils.), the former name being preoccupied. 
(See Faxon, The Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 264.) 

648a. Add Compsothlypis americana usnece Brewster. 
Northern Parula "Warbler. — The Parula Warbler, breeding from Mary- 
land and southern Illinois northward, has been described under the above 
name by Mr. Brewster as similar to the southern C. americana but " averag- 
ing slightly larger but with a shorter bill. Adult male with less yellow on 
the under parts and more black or blackish on the lores and malar region ; 
the dark collar across the jugulum black or blackish, broad and conspicuous; 
the chest mottled or spotted with rich brownish chestnut." (Brewster, The 
Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 45.) 

654a. Add Dendroica cserulescens cairnsi Coues. Catrns's 
Warbler. — The Black- throated Blue Warbler breeding in the " higher parts 
of the Alleghanies, from Virginia to Georgia," has been described under the 
above name by Dr. Coues as similar to Dendroica catrulescens but somewhat 
smaller and with " the middle of the back nearly or quite black, instead of 
blue, or blue with only a few black touches." (Coues, The Auk, xiv, 1897, 
p. 90.) 

658. Change Dendroica cserulea ( Wils.) to Dendroica rara 

( Wils.), the former name being preoccupied. (See Kidgway, The Auk, xiv, 
1897, p. 97.) 

684. Change Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.) to Wilsonia mitrata 

(Gmel.), the generic name Sylvania having been wrongly applied. (See 
Coues, The Auk, xiv, April, 1897.) 



4U APPENDIX II. 

685. Change Sylvania pusilla ( Wils.) to Wilsonia pusilla 
{ Wils.) for the reason given under the preceding species. 

686. Change Sylvania canadensis {Linn.) to Wilsonia cana- 
densis {Linn.) for the reason given under No. 6S4. 

754. Add Myadestes townsendi Aud. Townsend's Solitaike — 
A speeies of the western United States which has been onee recorded from 
Illinois. ^See Kidgway, Birds Ills., p. 71.^ Omitted in error from previous 
editions. 



LIST OF WORKS TO WHICH REFERENCE IS 
MOST FREQUENTLY MADE IN THIS VOLUME. 

The Auk, a Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Editor, J. A. Allen ; 
Associate Editor, Frank M. Chapman. Published for the American 
Ornithologists' Union. Xew York [35 Pine Street] : L. S. Foster. 

As the official organ of the American Ornithologists' Union The 
Auk is the leading ornithological journal of this country. Volumes 
I to VIII, 1876-'83, were published as the Bulletin of the Xuttall Or- 
nithological Club (Cambridge, Mass.), the present name being adopted 
upon the founding of the Union. Each volume of The Auk contains 
about four hundred octavo pages and four colored plates ; price per 
volume, $3 ; per number, 75 cents. 

Baird, S. F., Brewer, T. ML, and Ridgway, R. A History of 
Xorth American Birds. . . . Land Birds [Vols. I to III]. Illustrated 
by sixty-four colored plates and five hundred and ninety-three wood- 
cuts. Boston : Little, Brown & Company. 3 vols., 4to, 1874. Vol. I. 
Turdidce-FringiUidce, pp. 1-596; Vol. II. Fringillidce-Picidce, pp. 1- 
590; Vol. Ill, StrigidcB-PerdicidfB, pp. 1-560. (Issued also with un- 
colored plates.) Water Birds [Vols. 1 and II]. Published as Vols. XII 
and XIII of the Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 
(Cambridge). Issued in continuation of the publications of the Geo- 
logical Survey of California. Boston : Little, Brown & Company. 2 
vols., 4to, numerous woodcuts, mostly colored, 1884. Vol. I, Ardeidce- 
Anafince, pp. 1-537; Vol. II, Anatinw-Alcidce, pp. 1-552. 

Bexdire, Charles. Life Histories of Xorth American Birds, with 
Special Reference to their Breeding Habits and Eggs. With twelve 
lithographic plates. 4to, pp. i-viii ; 1-414. Washington, 1892. Pub- 
lished as Vol. XXVIII of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowl- 
edge, and as Special Bulletin Xo. 1 of the United States National 
Museum. 

The authority upon the groups of which it treats. 

Bulletin of the Xuttall Ornithological Club. A Quarterly Journal 
of Ornithology. Editor, J. A. Allen. Associate Editors, S. F. Baird 

415 



416 LIST OF WORKS. 

and Elliott Coues. Cambridge, Mass. : Published by the Club. Vols. 
I to VIII, 1876-'83. (Address C. F. Batchelder, Treasurer, Cambridge, 
Mass.) 

Continued as The Auk, which see. 

Chamberlain, Montague. A Popular Handbook of the Orni- 
thology of the [Eastern] United States and Canada, based on Nuttall's 
Manual. . . . Vol. I, The Land Birds, pp. i-xlviii, 1-473; Vol. II, 
Game and Water Birds, pp. i-vii, 1-431. 8vo, numerous illustrations. 

The Code of Nomenclature and Check-List of North American 
Birds, adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union. Being the 
Report of the Committee of the Union on Classification and Nomen- 
clature. . . . New York: American Ornithologists' Union, 1886. 8vo, 
pp. i-viii, 1-392. 

This edition is now out of print ; a revised edition, without the 
Code of Nomenclature, will appear during the present year. An 
abridged edition, giving only the systematic and English names, was 
published in 1889. 

Coues, Elliott. Key to North American Birds, . . . with which 
are incorporated General Ornithology, an Outline of the Structure and 
Classification of Birds; and Field Ornithology, a Manual of Collect- 
ing, Preparing, and Preserving Birds. Profusely illustrated. Boston : 
Estes & Lauriat, 1884. Royal 8vo, pp. i-xxx, 1-862. 

This is issued as the second edition of the " Key " published in 1872, 
but is really the first edition of the new " Key." Several reprints, with 
an appendix giving newly described birds, recent changes in nomencla- 
ture, etc., have appeared. The influence of this work in promoting 
ornithological research in America can not be overestimated. To one 
intending to enter upon the scientific study of birds it is indispensable. 

Davie, Oliver. Nest and Eggs of North American Birds. Third 
edition, revised and augmented. Introduction by J. Parker Norris. 
Columbus [Ohio] : Hann & Adair, 1889. 8vo, pp. i-xii, 1-455. Thir- 
teen plates. 

Fisher, A. K. The Hawks and Owls of the United States in their 
Relation to Agriculture Prepared under the Direction of Dr. C. Hart 
Merriam, Chief of Division. Bulletin No. 3, Division of Ornithology 
and Mammalogy, United States Department of Agriculture: Wash- 
ington, 1893. 8vo, pp. 1-210. Twenty-five colored plates. 

Viewed from whatever standpoint, this is a model work. 

Goss, N. S. History of the Birds of Kansas. Illustrating Five 
Hundred and Twenty-nine Birds. Topeka, Kansas: George W. Crane 
& Co., 1891. Royal 8vo, pp. 1-692. Thirty-five plates. 



LIST OP WORKS. 417 

A work of far wider interest than the title implies. Colonel Goss 
studied birds in many lands, and his pages testify to the keenness of 
his observation. 

Langille, J. Hibbert. Our Birds in their Haunts: A Popular 
Treatise on the Birds of Eastern North America. Boston : S. E. Cas- 
sino & Co., 1884. 12mo, pp. 1-624. 

Maynard, C. J. The Birds of Eastern North America. With 
Original Descriptions of all the Species which occur East of the 
Mississippi River between the Arctic Circle and the Gulf of Mexico, 
with Full Notes on their Habits, etc. Containing thirty-two plates 
drawn on stone by the author. Newtonville, Mass. : C. J. Maynard 
& Co. 4to, pp. 1-532. 

This is the final title-page; the first three parts (i-iii, 1872-74) 
were issued as The Birds of Florida, etc. ; the next six (iv-ix, 1878) as 
The Birds of Florida with the Water and Game Birds of Eastern North 
America; and the concluding seven (x-xvi, 1879-82) with the title as 
quoted in full above. 

Minot, H. D. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England, 
with Descriptions of the Birds, their Nests and Eggs, their Habits and 
Notes. With Illustrations. Salem, Mass., Naturalists' Agency. Bos- 
ton : Estes & Lauriat, 1877. 8vo, pp. i-xvi, 1-456. 

A second edition, edited by William Brewster, published by Hough- 
ton, Mifflin & Co., of which I have seen advance sheets of the Editor's 
Appendix, is issued as these pages go to press. 

Nelson, Edward W. Report upon Natural History Collections 
made in Alaska between the Years 1877 and 1881. . . . Edited by 
Henry W. Henshaw. . . . No. III. Arctic Series of Publications, issued 
in Connection with the Signal Service, United States Army. With 
twenty-one Plates. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1887. 
4to. Birds, pp. 35-226, twelve colored plates. 

Ridgway, Robert. A Manual of North American Birds. Illus- 
trated by Four Hundred and Sixty-four Drawings of the Generic Char- 
acters. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1887. Royal 8vo, 
pp. i-xi, 1-631. One hundred and twenty-four plates. 

Our standard systematic work. 

Ridgway, Robert. The Ornithology of Illinois. Part I. De- 
scriptive Catalogue. Vol. I [Land Birds exclusive of the Gallince]. 
Published by authority of the State Legislature. Springfield, 111. : 
H. W. Rokker, Printer and Binder, 1889. Royal 8vo, pp. i-viii, 
1-520. Colored frontispiece. Thirty-two plates. 
28 



418 LIST OF WORKS. 

Saunders, Howard. An Illustrated Manual of British Birds. . . . 
With Illustrations of nearly Every Species. London : Gurney & 
Jackson, 1 Paternoster Row, 1889. 8vo, pp. i-xl, 1-754. 

Thompson, Ernest E. The Birds of Manitoba. Proceedings of 
the United States National Museum, xiii, 1891, pp. 457-643. 



INDEX. 



Abbreviations, list of, 40. 
Acanthis hornemannii, 284. 

hornemaimii exilipes, 284. 

linaria, 284. 

linaria holboellii, 285. 

linaria rostrata, 285. 
Accidental visitants defined, 12. 
Accipiter atricapillus, 199. 

cooperi, 199. 

velox, 198. 
Actitis macularia, 169. 
^Egialitis hiaticula, 1.75. 

meloda, 175. 

meloda circumcincta, 175. 

montana, 176. 

semipalniata, 174. 

vocifera, 173. 

wilsonia, 176. 
jEstrelata h as i tat a, 89. 

scalaris, 89. 
Agelaius phoeniceus, 264. 

phoeniceus bryanti, 265. 
Aix sponsa, 107. 
Ajaja ajaja, 126. 
Alauda arvensis, 253. 
Alaudidae, 252. 
Albatross, Wandering, 86. 

Yellow-nosed, 86. 
Alca torda, 32. 
Alcedinidae, 226. 
Alcidae, 60. 
Alle alle, 64. 

American Ornithologists' Union, 32. 
Ammodramus caudacutus, 295. 

caudacutus nelsoni, 296. 

caudacutus subvirgatus, 296. 

henslowii, 294. 

lecontei, 295. 

maritimus, 297. 

maritimus peninsula?, 298. 

nigrescens, 298. 

princeps, 291. 

sandwich ensis savanna, 292. 

savannarum passerinus, 293. 
Ampelidse, 323. 
Ampelis cedrorum, 323. 

garrulus, 323. 
Anas americana, 103. 



Anas boschas, 101. 

carolinensis, 104. 

crecca, 105. 

cyanoptera, 105. 

discors, 105. 

fulvigula, 102. 

obscura, 102. 

penelope, 103. 

strepera, 103. 
An^tidae, 97. 
Anatma3, 100. 
Anhinga anhinga, 93. 
Anhingidse, 93. 
Ani, 226. 

Anous stolidus, 85. 
Anser albifrons, 122. 

albifrons gambeli, 121. 
Anseres, 97. 
Anserinse, 119. 
Anthuspensilvanicus, 375. 

pratensis, 376. 

spraguei, 376. 
Antrostoraus carolinensis, 236. 

vociferus, 237. 
Aphelocoraa rloridana, 255. 
Aphrizidae, 176. 
Aquila chrysaetos, 206. 
Aramidae, 138. 
Aramus giganteus, 139. 
Archibuteo ferrugineus, 206. 

lagopus sancti-johannis, 205. 
Ardea candidissima, 134. 

cinerea, 133. 

coerulea, 135. 

egretta, 133. 

herodias, 132. 

occidentalis, 131. 

pealei, 134. 

rufescens, 134. 

tricolor ruficollis, 135. 

virescens, 136. 

wardi, 132. 

wuerdemanni, 131. 
Ardeidae, 128. 
Ardetta exilis, 130. 

neoxena, 131. 
Arenaria inter pres, 177. 
Asio accipitrinus, 215. 

419 



420 



INDEX. 



Asio wilsonianus, 214. 
Asturina plagiata, 205. 
Auk, Great, 64. 

Razor- billed, 63. 

The, 32. 
Avocet, American, 149. 
Aythya affinis, 112. 

americana, 110. 

eollaris, 112. 

marila nearctica, 111. 

vallisneria, 110. 

Baldpate, 103. 
Bartramia longicauda, 167. 
Beetlehead, 172. 
Bittern, American, 129. 

Cory's, 131. 

Least, 130. 
Bicknell, Eugene P., biographical 
sketches by, 281, 309, 400. 

observations by, 14. 
Biographies, plan of, 38. 
Birds, collecting, 22. 

color of, 4. 

distribution of, 3. 

how to identify, 10. 

migration of, 5, 15. 

nesting of, 3, 19. 

origin of, 3. 

sexing, 27. 

skinning, 24. 

study of, out-of-doors, 10. 

when to find, 12. 
Blackbird, Brewer's, 269. 

Crow, 269, 270. 

Florida Red-wing, 265. 

Red-winged, 264. 

Rusty, 268. 

Yellow-headed, 263. 
Blackbreast, 161. 
Blackhead, 111. 

Little, 112. 
Bluebill, 111. 

Little, 112. 
Bluebird, 402. 
Blue Peter, 146. 
-Bobolink, 261. 
-Bob- white, 178. 

Florida, 179. 
Bonasa umbellus, 180. 

umbellus togata, 182. 
Booby, 92. 

Blue-faced, 92. 

Red-footed, 92. 
Botaurus lentiginosus, 129. 
Brant, 123. 

Black, 123. 
Branta bernicla, 123. 

canadensis, 122. 
Branta canadensis hutch insii, 122. 

canadensis minima, 122. 



Branta leucopsis, 124. 

nigricans, 123. 
Brant-bird, 177. 

Brewster, W illiam, biographical 
sketches by, 142, 155. 

observations by, 38. 
Broadbill, 111. 

Creek, 112. 
Bubo virginianus, 219. 

virginianus saturatus, 220. 

virginianus subarcticus, 220. 
Bubonidse, 213. 
Bufflehead, 114. 
Bull-bat, 238, 239. 
Bulweria bulweri, 89. 
Bunting, Bay-winged, 290. 

Black-throated, 315. 

Indigo, 313. 

Lark, 316. 

Painted, 314. 

Snow, 288. 

Varied, 314. 
Burgomaster, 70. 
Butcher-bird, 325. 
Buteo borealis, 200. 

borealis calurus, 201. 

borealis harlani, 201. 

borealis kriderii, 201. 

brachyurus, 204. 

buteo, 201. 

latissimus, 204. 

lineatus, 201. 

lineatus alleni, 203. 

swainsoni, 203. 
Butter-ball, 114. 
'Buzzard, European, 201. 

Turkey, 191. 

Calamospiza melanocorys, 316. 
Calcarius lapponicus, 289. 

ornatus, 290. 

pictus, 289. 
Calico-back, 177. 
Calidris arenaria, 163. 
Callichelidon cyaneoviridis, 322. 
Campephilus principalis, 229. 
Camptolaimus labradorius, 115. 
Canary, Wild, 353. 
Canvasback, 110. 
Caprimulgidse, 236. 
Caracara, Audubon's, 211. 
Cardinal, 311. 
Cardinalis cardinalis, 311. 
Carduelis carduelis, 287. 
Carpodacus purpureus, 281. 
Cataloguing birds, 28. 
■Catbird, 378. 
Cath arista atrata, 192. 
Cathartes aura, 191. 
Cathartidse, 191. 
Cedar- bird, 323. 



INDEX. 



421 



Ceophloeus pileatus, 233. 
Cepphus grylle, 61. 

mandtii, 02. 
Certhia familiaris americana, 385. 
Certhiida?, obo. 
Ceryle alcyon, 226. 
Chsetura pelagica, 239. 
Cliaradriidse, 171. 
Charadrius apricarius, 173. 

dominicus, 173. 

squatarola, 172. 
Charitonetta albeola, 114. 
Chat, Yellow-breasted, 372. 
Chebec, 251. 

Chelidon erythrogaster, 320. 
Clien ccerulescens, 121. 

hyperborea, 120. 

nivalis, 120. 
Cherry-bird, 323. 
Chewink, 310. 
Chickadee, 390. 

Carolina, 391. 

Hudsonian, 391. 
Chippy, 302. 

Winter, 301. 
Chondestes grammacus, 299. 
Chordeiles virginianus, 238. 

virginianus chapmani, 239. 

virginianus henryi, 239. 
Chuck-will's- widow, 236. 
Ciconiidse, 127. 
Circus hudsonius, 197. 
Cistothorus palustris, 384. 

palustris griseus, 385. 

palustris marianse, 385. 

stellaris, 383. . * 

Clangula hyemalis, 114. 
Clape, 235. 
Glivicola riparia, 322. 
Cocothraustes vespertinus, 279. 
Coccyges, 224. 
Coccyzus americanus, 225. 

erythropthalmus, 226. 

minor, 224. 

minor maynardi, 225. 
Coereba bahamensis, 333. 
Colaptes auratus, 235. 
Colinus virginianus, 178. 

virginianus noridanus, 179. 
Collecting birds, 23. 
i eggs, 29. 

nests, 29. 
Collections, care of, 29. 
Color chart, 39. 
Columba leucocephala, 187. 
Columbae, 187. 
Columbidae, 187. 
Columbigallina passerina terrestris, 

190. 
Colymbus auritus, 3. 

holboellii, 56. 



Compsothlypis americana, 352. 
Contopus boreal is, 246. 

virens, 247. 
Conurus carolinensis, 222. 
Coot, American, 146. 

Black, 117. 

European, 147. 

Sea, 118. 

White-winged, 118. 
Cormorant, 94. 

Double-crested, 94. 

Florida. 95. 

Mexican, 95. 
Corvida), 253. 
Corvus americanus, 257. 

americanus noridanus, 258. 

corax principalis, 256. 

ossi tragus, 258. 
Coturnix coturnix, 180. 
Courlan, 139. 
Cowbird, 262. 
Crake, Corn, 144. 

Spotted, 144. 
Crane, Blue, 132. 

Brown, 138. 

Little Brown, 138. 

Sandhill, 132, 138. 

White, 137. 

Whooping, 137. 
Creeper, Bahama Honey, 333. 

Black and White, 343. 

Brown, 385. 
Crex crex, 144. 
Crossbill, American, 283. 

Ked, 283. 

White-winged, 283. 
Crotophaga ani, 226. 
'Crow, American, 257. 

Fish, 258. 

Florida, 258. 
Crying-bird, 139. 
Crymophilus fulicarius, 147. 
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 226. 

Mangrove, 224. 

Maynard's, 225. 

Yellow-billed, 225. 
Cuculidae, 224. 
Curlew, Eskimo, 170. 

Hudsonian, 170. 

Jack, 170. 

Long-billed, 170. 

Pink, 126. 

Spanish, 126. 
Cyanocitta cristata, 254. 

cristata florincola, 255. 
Cygninse, 124. 
Cymodroma grallaria, 91. 

Dabchick, 57. 
Dalila acuta, 106. 
Definition of terms, 32. 



422 



INDEX. 



Dendragapus canadensis, 180. 
Dendroica sestiva, 353. 

auduboni, 356. 

blackburniae, 360. 

cserulea, 357. 

cserulescens, 354. 

castanea, 358. 

coronata, 355. 

discolor, 364. 

dominica, 361. 

dominica albilora, 361. 

kirtlandi, 362. 

maculosa, 356. 

palmarum, 363. 

palraarum hypoehrysea, 364. 

pensylvanica, 357. 

striata, 359. 

tigrina, 352. 

townsendi, 362. 

vigorsii, 363. 

virens, 361. 
Dickcissel, 315. 
Diedapper, 57. 
Diomedea exulans, 86. 
Diomedeidse, 86. 
Diving birds, 56. 
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 261. 
Doughbird, 170. 
* Dove, Blue-headed Quail, 191. 

Ground, 190. 

Mourning, 188, 190. 
-* Quail, 190. 

Kuddy Quail, 191. 

Sea, 64. 

White-winged, 190. 

Zenaida, 189. 
Dovekie, 64. 
Dowitcher, 155. 

Long-billed, 156. 

Western, 156. 
Dryo bates borealis, 231. 

pubescens, 230. 

villosus, 229. 

villosus audubonii, 230. 

villosus leucomelas, 230. 
■^Duck, American Scaup, 111. 

Black, 102 

Broad-bill, 111. 

Crow, 146. 

Dusky, 102. 

Florida, 102. 

Gray, 103. 

Greater Scaup, 111. 

Harlequin, 115. 

Labrador, 115. 

Lesser Scaup, 112. 

Masked, 119. 

Pied, 115. 

King-necked, 112. 

Kuddy, 119. 

Kufous-crested, 109. 



Duck, Scaup, 111. 

Spirit, 114. 

Steller's, 116. 

Wood, 107. 
Dunlin, 161. 
Dutcher, William, observations by, 

38. 
D wight, J., Jr., biographical sketches 
by, 248, 250, 268, 290, 293, 296, 297, 
308, 399. 

Eagle, Bald, 207. 

Golden, 206. 
^ Gray Sea, 207. 
Ectopistes migratorius, 187. 
Eggs, collecting, 29. 

descriptions of, 38 ; 

preserving, 30. 
Egret, American, 133. 

Peale's, 134. 

Keddish, 134. 

Snowy, 134. 
Eider, American, 116. 

Greenland, 116. 

King, 116. 
Elanoides forficatus, 196. 
Elanus leucurus, 196. m 

Empidonax acadicus, 249. 

ilaviventris, 248. 

minimus, 251. 

pusillus, 251. 

traillii, 250. 

traillii alnorum, 251. 

virescens, 249. 
Eniconetta stelleri, 116. 
Ereunetes pusillus, 161. 

occidentalis, 162. 
Erismatura rubida, 119. 
Euetheia bicolor, 315. 

canora, 315. 

Falco columbarius, 210. 

islandus, 208. 

mcxicanus, 209. 

peregrinus anatum, 209. 

regulus, 211. 

rusticolus, 208. 

rusticolus gy rfalco, 209. 

rusticolus obsoletus, 209. 

sparverioides, 211. 

sparverius, 211. 

tinnunculus, 211. 
'Falcon, Peregrine, 210. 

Prairie, 209. 
Falconidaa, 193. 
Feathers, markings of, 32. 
Field-glass, use of, 11. 
Finch, Grass, 290. 

Lark, 299. 

Pine, 287. 

Purple, 281. 



INDEX. 



423 



Firebird, 267. 

Fisher, Dr. A. K., observations by, 

38. 
Flamingo, 125. 
Flicker, 235. 

Florida Yellow-throat, 371. 
Flycatcher, Acadian, 249. 

Alder, 251. 

Crested, 244. 

Fork-tailed, 243. 

Great-crested, 244. 

Least, 251. 

Olive-sided, 246. 

ScissOr-tailed, 243. 

Traill's, 250. 

Yellow-bellied, 248. 
Fratercula arctica, 60. 

arctica glacialis, 61. 
Fregata aquila, 97. 
Fregatidse, 97. 
Frigate-bird, 97. 
Fringillidse, 271. 
Fulica americana, 146. 

atra, 147. 
Fuligulinse, 107. 
Fulmar, 87. 

Lesser, 87. 
Fulmarus glacialis, 87. 

glacialis minor, 87. 
Fute, 170. 

Gadwall, 103. 

Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 378. 
Gallime, 178. 
Gallinago delicata, 154. 

gallinago, 155. 
Gallinula galeata, 145. 
Gallinule, Florida, 145. 

Purple, 145. 
Gannet, 92. 
Gavia alba, 68. 
Gelochelidon nilotica, 78. 
Geothlypis agilis, 369. 

formosa, 368. 

Philadelphia, 370. 

trichas, 371. 

trichas ignota, 371. 
Geotrygon martinica, 190. 

montana, 191. 
Glaucionetta clangula americana, 113. 

islandica, 113. 
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 394. 
Goatsuckers, 236. 
Godwit, Black-tailed, 164. 

Hudsonian, 164. 

Marbled, 163. 
Golden-eve, American, 113. 

Barrow's, 113. 
** Goldlinch, American, 286. 

Black-headed, 287. 

European, 287. 



Goosander, 98. 

Goose, American White-fronted, 121. 

Barnacle, 124. 

Blue, 120. 

Cackling, 122. 

Canada, 122. 

European White-fronted, 122. 

Greater Snow, 120. 

Hutch ins's, 122. 

Lesser Snow, 120. 
Goshawk, American, 199. 
Grackle, Mexican, 205. 

Boat-tailed, 271. 

Bronze, 270. 

Florida, 270. 

Purple, 269. 
Grassquit, 315. 

Melodious, 315. 
Greenback, 173. 
Greenshank, 165. 
Grebe, Holboell's, 56. 

Horned, 57. 

Pied-billed, 57. 
Grosbeak, Black-headed, 313. 

Blue, 313. 

Evening, 279. 

Pine, 280. 

Rose-breasted, 312. 
Grouse, Canada, 180. 

Canadian Ruffed, 182. 

Prairie Sharp-tailed, 185. 

Ruffed, 180. 
Gruidae, 137. 
Grus americana, 137. 

canadensis, 138. 

mexicana, 138. 
Guara alba, 126. 

rubra, 127. 
Guillemot, Black, 61. 

Mandt's, 62. 
Guiraca cserulea, 313. 
Gull, American Herring, 72. 

Black-headed, 74. 

Bonaparte's, 75. 

European, 73. 

Franklin's, 74. 

Glaucous, 70. 

Great Black-backed, 71. 

Iceland, 71. 

Herring, 72. 

Ivory, 68. 

Kumlien's, 71. 

Laughing, 74. 

Little, 76. 

Mew, 74. 

Ring-billed, 73. 

Ross's, 76. 

Sabine's, 76. 

Siberian, 72. 
Gun, kind of, 23. 

load for, 24. 



424 



INDEX. 



Gyrfalcon, 209. 
Black, 209. 
Gray, 208. 
White, 208. 

Habia LUDOVICIANA, 312. 

melanoccphala, 313. 
Hsematopodidse, 177. 
Ha?matopus ostralegus, 177. 

palliatus, 177. 
Hagdon, 88. 

Black, 81). 
Hal'ueetus albicilla, 207, 

leucocephalus, 207. 
Hang-nest, 207. 
Harporhynchus rufus, 379. 
Harrier, 197. 
>> Hawk, American Kough -legged, 205. 

American Sparrow, 211. 

Broad-winered, 204. 

Chicken, 200, 201. 

Cooper's, 199. 

Cuban (Sparrow, 211. 

Duck, 209. 

Ferruginous Kough-leg, 206. 

Fish, 212. 

Florida Ked-shouldered, 203. 

Harlan's, 201. 

Hen, 200, 201. 

Killy, 211. 

Krider's, 201. 

Marsh, 197. 

Pigeon, 210. 

Ked-shouldered, 201. 

Ked-tailed, 200. 

Rough -legged, 205. 

Sharp-shinned, 198. 

Short-tailed, 204. 

Snail, 197. 

Sparrow, 211. 

Swainson's, 203. 
Heath Hen, 185. 
Helinaia swainsonii, 345. 
Hell Diver, 57. 
Helminthophila bachmani, 346. 

celata, 350, 

chrysoptera, 348. 

lawrencei, 348. 

leucobronchialis, 347. 

peregrina, 350. 

pi mis, 347. 

ruficapilla, 349. 
Helmitherus vermivorus, 345. 
lien, Heath, L85. 
Hen, Prairie, 184. 
Herod ion es, 125. 
Heron, Black-crowned Night, 136. 

European Great Blue, 133. 

Great Blue, 132. 

Great White, 131. 

Green, 136. 



\ Heron, Little Blue, 135. 

Little Green, 136. 

Louisiana, 135. 

Snowy, 134. 

Ward's, 132. 

Wiirdemann's, 131. 

Yellow-crowned Night, 137. 
Hesperocichla nsevia, 402. 
High-hole, 235. 
Himantopus mexicanus, 150. 
Hirundinidaa, 318. 
Histrionicus histrionicus, 115. 
Honey Creeper, Bahama, 333. 
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 241. 
Hydrochelidon leucoptera, 85. 

nigra surinamensis, 84. 

Ibidid^:, 126. 
Ibis, Glossy, 127. 

Scarlet, 127. 

White, 126. 

White-faced Glossy, 127. 

Wood, 128. 
Icteria virens, 372. 
Icteridas, 260. 
Icterus bullocki, 268. 

galbula, 267. 

icterus, 266. 

spurius, 266. 
Ictina mississippiensis, 196. 
Illustrations, 39. 
Indigo-bird, 313. 
Ionornis martinica, 145. 

Jaeger, Long-tailed, 66. 

Parasitic, 66. 

Pomarine, 65. 
Jay, Blue, 254. 

Canada, 256. 

Florida, 255. 

Florida Blue, 255. 

Labrador, 256. 
Jorec, 310. 
Journals, 21. 
Junco, 304. 

Carolina, 305. 

hyemalis, 304. 

hyemalis carolinensis, 305. 

hyemalis shuteldti, 305. 

Shufeldt's, 305. 

Slate-colored, 304. 

Kestrel, 211. 
Keys, use of, 32. 
Killdeer, 173. 
Kingbird, 243. 

Arkansas, 244. 

Gray, 244. 
Kingfisher, Belted, 226. 
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned, 393. 

Golden-crowned, 392. 



INDEX. 



425 



Kite, Everglade, 197. 

Mississippi, 19(3. 

Swallow-tailed, 196. 

White-tailed, 196. 
Kittiwake, 09. 
Knot, 157. 
Krieker, 158. 

Labeling birds, 28. 

Labels, 28. 

Lagopus lagopus, 182. 

lagopus alleni, 182. 

rupestris, 182. 

rupestris reinhardti, 183. 

welchi, 183. 
Lamellirostral Grallatores, 125. 

Swimmers, 97. 
Lanius borealis, 325. 

ludovieianus, 325. 

ludovieianus excubitorides, 32G. 
Laniidae, 325. 
Lapwing, 172. 
Lark, Field, 265. 

Horned, 252. 

Meadow, 265. 

Prairie, 266. 

Prairie Horned, 252. 

Shore, 252. 

Western Meadow, 266. 
Larida?, 67. 
Larinao, 67. 
Larus affinis, 72. 

argentatus, 73. 

argentatus smithsonianus, 72. 

atricilla, 74. 

canus, 74. 

delawarensis, 73. 

franklini, 74. 

flaueus, 70. 
umlieni, 71. 

leucopterus, 71. 

marinus, 71. 

minutus, 76. 

Philadelphia, 75. 
Leadback, 100. 
Limicolae, 147. 
Limosa fedoa, 163. 

hsemastica, 164. 

limosa, 164. 
Limpkin, 139. 
Loggerhead, 325. 
Longipennes, 65. 
Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 290. 

Lapland, 289. 

McCWn's, 290. 

Smith's, 289. 
Long-winged Swimmers, 65. 
\ Loon, 58. 

Black-throated, 59. 

Red-throated, 59. 
Lophodytes cucullatus, 99. 



Loxia eurvirostra minor, 283. 
lcucoptera, 283. 

Macrorhampus griseus, 155. 

scolopaceus, 156. 
Macrocnires, 236. 
--Magpie, 255. 
Mallard, 101. 
Man-of-War Bird, 97. 
Marsh Hen, 129, 140. 
Marl in, Brown, 163. 

King-tailed, 164. 
Martin, Cuban, 319. 

Purple, 319. 
Maryland Yellow-throat, 371. 
Meadowlark, 265. 

Western, 266. 
Measurements of birds, 37. 
Megalestris skua, 65. 
Megascops asio, 218. 

asio rioridanus, 219. 
Melanerpes carolinus, 234. 

erythrocephalus, 233. 
Meleagris gallopavo, 186. 

gallopavo osceola, 186. 
Melopelia leucoptera, 190. 
Melospiza fasciata, 306. 

georgiana, 308. 

lincolni, 307. 
Merganser americanus, 98. 

serrator, 99. 
Merganser, American, 98. 

Hooded, 99. 

Eed-breasted, 99. 
Merginae, 98. 
Merlin, 211. 

Merriam, Florence A., biographical 
sketches by, 245, 304, 314, 317, 324, 
382. 
Merula migratoria, 401. 
Micropalama himnntopus, 156. 
Micropodidae, 239. 
Migration of birds, 5. 

tables of, 15. 
Milvulus forficatus, 243. 

tyrannus, 243. 
Miller, Olive Thome, biographical 

sketches by, 243, 311, 379. 
Mimus polyglottos, 377. 
Mniotilta varia, 343. 
Mniotiltidae, 333. 
Mockingbird, 377. 
Molothrus ater, 262. 
Moose-bird, 256. 
Motacilla alba, 376. 
Motacillida', 375. 
Mother Carey's Chicken, 91. 
Mud Hen, 146. 
Murre, 62. 

Brunnich's, 63. 
Myiarehus crinitus, 244. 



426 



INDEX. 



Nesting season, 13, 19, 20. 
Nests, collecting, 29. 

descriptions of, 38. 

preserving, 31. 
Netta ruiina, 109. 
Night Hawk, 238. 

Florida, 239. 

Western, 239. 
Noddy, 85, 87. 
Nomenclature, 5, 32. 
Nomonyx dominicus, 119. 
Nonpareil, 314. 
Note-books, 21. 
Numenius borealis, 170. 

hudsonicus, 170. 

longirostris, 170. 

phseopus, 171. 
Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 388. 

Florida White-breasted, 388. 

Red-breasted, 388. 

White-breasted, 387. 
Nyctala acadica, 217. 

tengmalmi richardsoni, 217. 
Nyctea nyctea, 220. 
Nycticorax nycticorax mevius, 136. 

violaceus, 137. 

OCEANITES OCEANICUS, 90. 

Oceanodroma leucorhoa, 89. 
Odontoglossse, 125. 
Oidemia americana, 117- 

deglandi, 118. 

fusca, 118. 

perspicillata, 118. 
Old Squaw, 114. 

Wife, 114. 
Olor buccinator, 124. 

columbianus, 124. 

cygnus, 125. 
Opera-glass, use of, 11. 
Oriole, Baltimore, 267. 

Bullock's, 268. 

Orchard, 266. 
Ornithology, economic, 6. 

philosophic, 3. 

sentiment of, 8. 

study of, 1. 

systematic, 2. 
Osprey, American, 212. 
Otocoris alpestris, 252. 

alpestris praticola, 252. 
Oven-bird, 365. 
Owl, Acadian, 217. 

American Barn, 213. 

American Hawk, 221. 

American Long-eared, 214. 

Barn, 213. 

Barred, 215. 

Burrowing, 221. 

Dusky-horned, 220. 

Florida Barred, 216. 



Owl, Florida Burrowing. 221. 

Florida Screech, 218. 

Great Gray, 217. 

Great Horned, 219. 

Hawk, 221. 

Hoot, 215. 

Long-eared, 214. 

Monkey-faced, 213. 

Richardson's, 217. 

Saw-whet, 217. 

Screech, 218. 

Short-eared, 215. 

Snowy, 220. 

Western Horned, 220. 
Oxeye, Meadow, 160. 

Sand, 161. 
Oyster-catcher, American, 177. 

European, 177. 

Palmetto Bird, 371. 
Paludicolse, 137. 

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 212. 
Parida?, 386. 
^ Paroquet, Carolina, 222. 
^ Parrot, Sea, 60. 
Partridge, 178, 179, 180, 182. 

Spruce, 180. 
Parus atricapillus, 390. 

bicolor, 389. 

carolinensis, 391. 

hudsonicus, 391. 
Passer domesticus, 282. 

montanus, 283. 
Passerella iliaca, 309. 
Passeres, 242. 
Passerina ciris, 314. 

cyanea, 313. 

versicolor, 314. 
Pavoncella pugnax, 167. 
Peabody-bird, 300. 
Pedioeaetes pnasianellus campestris, 

185. 
Peep, 160, 161. 
Pelagodroma marina, 91. 
Pelecanidie, 95. 
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, 95. 

fuscus, 96. 
Pelican, Brown, 96. 

White, 95. 
Perisoreus canadensis, 256. 

canadensis nigricapillus, 256. 
Permanent residents denned, 12. 

list of, 13. 
Petrel, Black-capped, 89. 

Bulwer's, 89. 

Leach's, 89. 

Scaled, 89. 

Stormy, 89. 

White-bellied, 91. 

White-faced, 91. 

Wilson's, 90. 



INDEX. 



427 



Petrochelidon fulva, 320. 

lunifrons, 320. 
Peuciea aestivalis, 305. 

aestivalis bachmanii, 305. 
Pewee, Wood, 247. 
Phaethon aethereus, 91. 

llavirostris, 91. 
Phaethontidae, 91. 
Phalacrocoracidae, 94. 
Phalacrocorax carbo, 94. 

dilophus, 94. 

dilophus floridanus, 95. 

mexicanus, 95. 
Phalarope, Gray, 147. 

Northern, 148. 

Bed, 147. 

Wilson's, 148. 
Phalaropodidae, 147. 
Phalaropus lobatus, 148. 

tricolor, 148. 
Phasianidae, 185. 
Philohela minor, 153. 
Phoebe, 245. 

Say's, 246. 
Phoenicopteridae, 125. 
Phoenicopterus ruber, 125. 
Pica pica hudsonica, 255. 
Pici, 227. 
Picidae, 227. 
Picoides americanus, 232. 

arcticus, 231. 
X Pigeon, Passenger, 187. 

Sea, 61. 

White-crowned, 187. 

Wild, 187. 
Pinicola enucleator, 280. 
Pintail, 106. 
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 310. 

erythrophthalmus alleni, 310. 
Pipit, American, 375. 

Meadow, 376. 

Sprague's, 376. 
Piranga erythromelas, 317. 

ludoviciana, 318. 

rubra, 317. 
Plataleidae, 125. 
Plautus impennis, 64. 
Plectrophenax nivalis, 288. 
Plegadis autumnalis, 127. 

guarauna, 127. 
Plover, American Golden, 173. 

Belted Piping, 175. 

Black-bellied, 172. 

European Golden, 173. 

Field, 167. 

Golden, 173. 

Mountain, 176. 

Piping, 175. 

King, 175. 

Semipalmated, 174. 

Upland, 167. 



Plover, Wilson's, 176. 
Podicipidae, 56. 
Podilymbus podiceps, 57. 
Poke, 136. 

Polioptila caerulea, 394. 
Polyborus chcriway, 211. 
Poocaetes gramineus, 290. 
Porzana Carolina, 143. 

jamaicensis, 144. 

noveboracensis, 144. 

porzana, 144. 
Prairie Hen, 184. 
Procellaria pelagica, 89. 
Procellariidae, 86. 
Progne cryptoleuca, 319. 

subis, 319. 
Protonotaria citrea, 344. 
Psittaci, 222. 
Psittacidae, 222. 
Ptarmigan, Allen's, 182. 

Greenland, 183. 

Eeinhardt's, 183. 

Kock, 182. 

Welch's, 183. 

Willow, 182. 
Puffin, 60. 

Large-billed, 61. 
Puffinus auduboni, 88. 

borealis, 88. 

major, 88. 

puffinus, 88. 

stricklandi, 89. 
Pygopodes, 56. 

Quail, 178, 179. 

European, 180. 

Migratory, 180. 
Quawk, 136. 
Quiscalus major, 271. 

quiscula, 269. 

quiscula aeneus, 270. 

quiscula aglaeus, 270. 

Paces, geographical, 4. 
Kail, Black, 144. 

Carolina, 143. 

Clapper, 140. 

Florida Clapper, 141. 

'King, 140. 

Little Black, 144. 

Louisiana Clapper, 141. 

Virginia, 141. 

Yellow, 144. 
Pallidas, 139. 
Rallus elegans, 140. 

longirostris crepitans, 140. 

longirostris saturatus, 141. 

longirostris scottii, 141. 

virginianus, 141. 
Range of birds, 37. 
Kaptores, 191. 



428 



INDEX. 



Raven, Northern, 256. 
Recurvirostra americana, 149. 
Recurvirostrida), 149. 
Redback, 161. 
Redhead, 110. 
Redpoll, 284. 

Greater, 285. 

Greenland, 284. 

Hoary, 284. 

Holboell's, 285. 
Redstart, 374. 
v Redtail, Western, 201. 
x Reedbird, 261. 

Regulus calendula, 393. 

satrapa, 392. 
Rhodostethia rosea, 76. 
Rhyncophanes mccownii, 290. 
Rice-bird, 261. 

Richmond, C. W., observations by, 37. 
Ring-neck, 174. 
\ Rissa tridactyla, 69. 
Robin, American, 401. 

Golden, 267. 
Rostrhamus sociabilis, 197. 
Ruff, 167. 
Rynchopidse, 85. 
Rynchops nigra, 86. 

Saddleback, 71. 
Sanderling, 163. 
Sandpiper, Baird's, 159. 

Bartramian, 167. 

Buff-breasted, 168. 

Curlew, 161. 

Green, 165. 

Least, 160. 

Pectoral, 158. 

Purple, 157. 

Red-backed, 160. 

Semipalmated, 161. 

Solitary, 166. 

Spotted, 169. 

Stilt, 156. 

Western Semipalmated, 162. 
n* White-rumped, 158. 

Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 232. 
Saxicola oenanthe, 402. . 

Sayornis phoebe, 245. 

saya, 246. 
Scissor -bill, 86. 
Scolecophagus carolinus, 268. 

cyanocephalus, 269. 
Scolopacidffi, 150. 
Scolopax rusticola, 1T>4. 
Scoter, American, 117. 

Surf, 118. 

Velvet, 118. 

White- winged, 118. 
Scotiaptex cinereum, 217. 
Sea Parrot, 60. 
Sea Pigeon, 61. 



Sea Swallow, 80. 
Seiurus aurocapillus, 365. 
motacilla, 368. 
noveboracensis, 367. 
noveboracensis notabilis, 368. 
Setophaga ruticilla, 374. 
Sexing birds, 27. 
Sexual organs, 28. 
Shag, 94. 
'Shearwater, Audubon's, 88. 

Cory's, 88. 

Greater, 88. 

Manx, 88. 

Sooty, 88. 
Shelldrake, 98, 99. 
Shore Birds, 147. 
Shoveler, 105. 
Shrike, Loggerhead, 325. 

Northern, 325. 
Sialis sialis, 402. 
Sickle-bill, 170. 
Siskin, Pine, 287. 
Sitta canadensis, 388. 

carolinensis, 387. 

carol inensis atkinsi, 388. 

pusilla, 388. 
Skimmer, Black, 86. 
Skinning birds, 24. 
Skua, 65. 
Skylark, 253. 
Snakebird, 93. 
Snipe, English, 154. 

European, 155. 

Grass, 158. 

Gray, 157. 

Robin, 157. 

Rock, 158. 

Surf, 163. 

Wilson's, 154. 

Winter, 158. 
Snowiiake, 288. 
Somateria dresseri, 116. 

mollissima borealis, 116. 

spectabilis, ll»i. 
Song season, 14. 
Sora, 143. 

South Southerly, 114. 
Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-tailed, 296. 

Bachman's, 305. 

Brewer's, 303. 

Chipping, 302. 

(May-colored, 303. 

Dusky Seaside, 298. 

English, 282. 

European Tree, 283. 

Field, 803. 

Fox, 309. 

Grasshopper, 293. 

Henslow's, 294. 

House, 282. 

Ipswich, 291. 



INDEX. 



429 



Sparrow, Lark, 299. 

Leconte's, 295. 

Lincoln's, 307. 

Nelson's Sharp-tailed, 290. 

Pine-woods, 305. 

Savanna, 292. 

Scott's Seaside, 298. 

Seaside, 297. 

Sharp-tailed, 295. 

Song, 306. 

Swamp, 308. 

Tree, 301. 

Vesper, 290. 

Western Field, 304. 

White-crowned, 299. 

White-throated, 300. 

Yellow-winged, 293. 
Spatula elypeata, 105. 
Speotyto cunicularia florid ana, 221. 

cunicularia hypogaea, 221. 
Sphyrapicus varius, 232. 
Spinus notatus, 287. 

pinus, 287. 

tristis, 286. 
Spiza americana, 315. 
Spizella breweri, 303. 

monticola, 301. 

pallida, 303. 

pusilla, 303. 

pusilla arenacea, 304. 

socialis, 302. 
SpoonVjill, Koseate, 126. 
Sprigtail, 106. 

X Spring migration, 15. 
Starling, 259. 

Starnoenas cyanocephala, 191. 
Steganopodes, 91. 
Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 322. 
Stercorariidae, 65. 
Stercorarius longicaudus, 66. 

parasiticus, 66. 

pomarinus, 66. 
Sterna anaethetus, 84. 

antillaruni, 84. 

douiralli, 83. 

forsteri, 80. 

fuliginosa, 84. 

hirundo, 81. 

maxima, 79. 

paradisaea, 82. 

sandvicensis acuflavida, 80. 

trudeaui, 80. 

tsehegrava, 79. 
Sternina?, 76. 
Stilt, Black-necked, 150. 
Stone-chat, 402. 
Stri.cridae, 213. 
Strix })ratineola. 213. 
Sturnella magna, 265. 

magna neglecta, 266. 
Sturnida 1 , 259. 



Sturnus vulgaris, 259. 
Sula bassana, 92. 

cyanops, 92. 

sula, 92. 

piscator, 92. 
Sulidae, 92. 
Summer residents defined, 12. 

list of, 18. 
Surnia ulula caparoch, 221. 
Swallow, Bahama, 322. 

Bank, 322. 

Barn, 320. 

Chimney, 239. 

Cliff, 320. 

Cuban Cliff, 320. 

Eave, 320. 

Kough-winged, 322. 

Tree, 321. 

White-bellied, 321. 
Swan, Trumpeter, 124. 

AVhistling, 124. 

Whooping, 125. 
Swift, Chimney, 239. 
Sylvania canadensis, 374. 

mitrata, 372. 

pusilla, 373. 
Sylviidae, 391. 
Symphemia semipalmata, 166. 

semipalmata inornata, 167. 
Syrnium nebulosum, 215. 

nebulosum alleni, 216. 

Tachycineta bicolor, 321. 
Tanager, Louisiana, 318. 

Scarlet, 317. 

Summer, 317. 
Tanagridae, 316. 
Tantalus loculator, 128. 
Taxidermy, 27. 
Teal, Blue-winged, 105. 

Cinnamon, 105. 

European, 105. 

Green-winged, 104. 
Terms used in description, 32. 
STern, Arctic, 82. 

Black, 84. 

Bridled, 84. 

Cabot's, 80. 

Caspian, 79. 

Common, 81. 

Forster's, 80. 

Gull-billed, 78. 

Least, 84. 

Marsh, 78. 

Koseate, 83. 

Koyal, 79. 

Sooty, 84. 

Trudeau's, 80. 

White- winged Black, 85. 

Wilson's, 81. 
Tetraonidae, 178. 



430 



INDEX. 



Thalassogeron culminatus, 86. 
Thistle-bird, 286. 

Thompson, Ernest E., biographical 
sketches by, 181, 197, 253, 256, 
280, 285, 289, 300, 306, 325, 369, 
383. 
Thrasher, Brown, 379. 
N Thrush, Alice's, 397. 

Bicknell's, 398. 

Brown, 379. 

Golden-crowned, 365. 

Gray-cheeked, 397. 

Grinnell's Water, 368. 

Hermit, 400. 

Louisiana Water, 368. 

Olive-backed, 398. 

Bed- winged, 401. 

Varied, 402. 

Water, 367. 

Willow, 397. 

Wilson's, 396. 

Wood, 395. 
Thryothorus bewickii, 381. 

ludovicianus, 380. 

ludovicianus miamensis, 381. 
Tinker, 63. 
Titlark, 375. 
Titmouse, Tufted, 389. 
Torrey, Bradford, biographical sketch- 
es by, 129, 243,331. 
Totanus ilavipes, 165. 

melanoleucus, 164. 

nebularius, 165. 

ochropus, 165. 

solitarius, 166. 
Totipalmate Swimmers, 91. 
Towhee, 310. 

White-eyed, 310. 
Transient visitants denned, 12. 
Tringa alpina, 161. 

alpina pacifica, 160. 

bairdii, 159. 

canutus, 157. 

ferruginea, 161. 

fuscicollis, 158. 

maritima, 157. 

maculata, 158. 

minutilla, 160. 
Trochilidse, 240. 
Trochilus colubris, 241. 
Troglodytes aedon, 381. 

aedon'aztecus, 382. 

hiemalis, 382. 
Troglodytidse, 376. 
Tropic-bird, Red-billed, 91. 

Yellow-billed, 91. 
Troupial, 266. 

Tryngites subruficollis, 168. 
Tube-nosed Swimmers, 86. 
Tubinares, 86. 
Turdidse, 394. 



Turdus alicise, 397. 

aliciae bicknelli, 398. 

aonalaschkae pallasii, 400. 

fuscescens, 396. 

fuscescens salicicolus, 397. 

iliacus, 401. 

mustelinus, 395. 

ustulatus swainsonii, 398. 
^Turkey, Water, 93. 

Florida Wild, 186. 

Wild, 186. 
Turnstone, 177. 
Tympanuchus americanus, 184, 

cupido, 185. 
Tyrannidse, 242. 
Tyrannus dominicensis, 244. 

tyrannus, 243. 

verticalis, 244. 

Uria lomvia, 63. 

troile, 62. 
Urinator arcticus, 59. 

imber, 58. 

lumme, 59. 
Urinatoridae, 58. 

Vanellus vanellus, 172. 
Veery, 396. 
Vireo belli, 332. 

calidris barbatulus, 327. 

fiavifrons, 330. 

flavoviridis, 329. 

gilvus, 329. 

noveboracensis, 332. 

noveboracensis maynardi, 332. 

olivaceus, 328. 

philadelphicus, 329. 

solitarius, 331. 

solitarius alticola, 331. 

solitarius plumbeus, 331. 
Vireo, Bell's, 332. 

Black -whiskered, 327. 

Blue-headed, 331. 

Key West, 332. 

Mountain Solitary, 331. 

Philadelphia, 329. 

Plumbeous, 331. 

Red-eyed, 328. 

Warbiing, 329. 

White-eyed, 332. 

Yellow-green, 329. 

Yellow-throated, 330. 
Vireonidse, 327. 
Vulture, Black, 192. 

Turkey, 191. 

Wagtail, White, 376. 
Warbler, Audubon's, 356. 

Bach man's, 346. 

Bav-breasted, 358. 

Black and White, 343. 



INDEX. 



431 



Warbler, Black and Yellow, 356. 

Blackburnian, 360. 

Blackpoll, 35V*. 

Black-throated Blue, 354. 

Black-throated Green, 361. 

Blue- winged, 347. 

Blue Yellow- backed, 352. 

Brewster's, 347. 

Canadian, 374. 

Cape May, 352. 

Cerulean, 357. 

Chestnut-sided, 857. 

Connecticut, 369. 

Golden-winged, 348. 

Hooded, 372. 

Kentucky, 368. 

K inland's, 362. 

Lawrence's, 348. 

Magnolia, 356. 

Mourning, 370. 

Myrtle, 355. 

Nashville, 849. 

Orange-crowned, 350. 

Palm, 363. 

Parula, 352. 

Pine, 363. 

Prairie, 364. 

Prothonotarv, 344. 

Redpoll, 363". 

Summer Yellow, 353. 

Swainson's, 345. 

Sycamore, 361. 

Tennessee, 350. 

Townsend's, 362. 

Wilson's, 373. 

Worm-eating, 345. 

Yellow, 353. 

Y'ellow-palm, 364. 

Yellow Redpoll, 364. 

Y'ellow-rumped, 355. 

Y T ellow-throated, 361. 
Water Witch, 57. 
Waxwing, Bohemian, 323. 

Cedar, 323. 
Wheatear, 402. 
v Whimbrel, 171. 

Whip-poor-will, 237. 
Whisky Jack, 256. 
Whistler, 113. 



Widgeon, American, 103. 

European, 103. 
Willet, 166. 

Western, 167. 
Winter visitants defined, 12. 

list of, 13. 
Woodcock, American, 153. 

European, 154. 
t* Woodpecker, American Three-toed, 
232. 

Arctic Three-toed, 231. 

Downy, 230. 

Golden-winged, 235. 

Hairy, 229. 

Ivory-billed, 229. 

Pileated, 233. 

Red-bellied, 234. 

Red-cockaded, 231. 

Red-headed, 233. 

Southern Hairy, 230. 
Wren, Bewick's, 381. 

Carolina, 380. 

Florida, 381. 

House, 381. 

Long-billed Marsh, 384. 

Marian's Marsh, 385. 

Mocking, 380. 

Short-billed Marsh, 383. 

Western House, 382. 

Winter, 382. 

Worthington's Marsh, 385. 

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 

263. 
Xema sabinii, 76. 






Yellow-bird, 286. 
Yellow r -hammer, 235. 
Y'ellow-legs, 165. 

Greater, 164. 

Lesser, 165. 

Summer, 165. 
Yellow- throat, Florida, 371. 

Maryland, 371. 

Zenatda zenaida, 189. 
Zenaidura macroura, 188. 
Zonotrichia albicollis, 300. 
leucophrys, 299. 



(4) 



THE END. 






<S 



LRpFe'15 






